Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Preparation, comparison and its antioxidant activity of different curcumin solid dispersions","authors":"Yaomin Tan, Hong Niu, Yanping Wu, Ziyan Zhang, Delian Wan, Shan Ma, Lina Du","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2026.06.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2026.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Objective To compare three different curcumin-loaded solid dispersions, assess their solubility, and conduct antioxidant and biological safety assays. Methods Three different curcumin-loaded solid dispersions were prepared using the solvent, solvent melting, and melting methods, and characterized using a scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, and X-ray diffractometer. Additionally, the drug content, equilibrium solubility, dissolution, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2ʹ-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) scavenging ability, and biological safety were investigated. Results X-ray diffractometer and differential scanning calorimetry analyses confirmed that curcumin existed in an amorphous state in the solid dispersion, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy suggested intermolecular interactions between curcumin and polyvinylpyrrolidone K29/32, and scanning electron microscope showed the disappearance of crystalline morphology and formation of a homogeneous matrix. The optimized solid dispersion significantly improved the aqueous solubility of curcumin. Rapid drug release was observed, with more than 70% of curcumin released within 20 min, whereas free curcumin exhibited very limited dissolution. The solubility of the solid dispersion was potential of hydrogen-dependent, with higher solubility under weakly acidic to near-neutral conditions and a marked decrease under alkaline conditions. In antioxidant assays, the solid dispersion exhibited stronger free radical scavenging activity than curcumin alone in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the solid dispersion showed reduced cytotoxicity, with improved cell viability compared with free curcumin at higher concentrations. Conclusion Solid dispersions supported by polyvinylpyrrolidone K29/32 showed significantly increased solubility of curcumin, and had higher antioxidant activity and biological safety than those of curcumin alone.","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148305684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fermented Suan Zao Ren ameliorates sleep in a mouse model of blood-deficiency insomnia by modulating hippocampal monoamines","authors":"Wenyuan Ma, Xu Wang, Kunjing Liu, Kai Wang, Kexin Zhang, Chunyu Wang, Xueqian Wang, Qingguo Wang, Lu Sun, Fafeng Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2026.03.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2026.03.008","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: To investigate the pharmacodynamic effects of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou (Z. jujuba, Suan Zao Ren) fermented with the fungus of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (P. cocos strain) and Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) on hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters in mice with blood-deficiency insomnia. Methods: Fermented Z. jujuba products were prepared from P. cocos strain (PCS) and MMF. A mouse model of blood-deficiency insomnia was established via intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide and p-chlorophenylalanine. Model evaluation included general physical status, a pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test, and peripheral blood analysis, including white blood cells, red blood cells (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hb). Hippocampal levels of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Results: Compared to the control group, mice in the model group exhibited shortened sleep duration (P = .003), decreased RBC and Hb levels (P = .005 and P = .008, respectively), confirming successful modeling. In the hippocampal tissue of model mice, the levels of NE, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA were significantly decreased (all P < .05), whereas DA levels were significantly increased (P = .024). Treatment with fermented Z. jujuba significantly prolonged sleep duration (both P < .01). Moreover, The PCS group had significantly higher hippocampal NE, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA levels (all P < .01). The MMF group showed increased 5-HT and 5-HIAA (P = .040 and P = .0085) but decreased DA (P = .033). Additionally, NE was significantly lower in the MMF group than in the PCS group (P = .008). Conclusion: Fermented Z. jujuba products effectively ameliorated sleep disorders in mice with blood-deficiency insomnia. These pharmacological effects may relate to the targeted remodeling of monoamine neurotransmitter homeostasis in the hippocampus, specifically by upregulating NE, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA levels and downregulating DA levels.","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"13 2","pages":"179-191"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147879692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparation and evaluation of a nasal nanogel formulation of perillaldehyde for treating plateau insomnia","authors":"Qian Li, Jiaqiao Li, Pengyi Hu, Pengfei Yue, Hongxia Zhu, Qunlin Zhang, Qin Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2026.03.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2026.03.009","url":null,"abstract":"To investigate the use of perillaldehyde (PAE) for treating plateau insomnia and to develop a stable intranasal PAE nanomicelles in situ gel (PAE/NMs-INSG). A mouse model of plateau insomnia was established in this study. Sleep latency/duration and brain melatonin/gamma-aminobutyric acid levels were also assessed. PAE/NMs were prepared via thin-film hydration and optimized using the Box–Behnken design. An in situ gel was formulated using poloxamer 407 and chitosan. The gel properties (pH, viscosity, and rheology), in vitro release, and stability were characterized. PAE alleviated symptoms of plateau insomnia. The optimized PAE/NMs had a size of 92.40 nm, polydispersity index of 0.246, encapsulation efficiency of 79.50%, and drug loading of 10.60%. The final PAE/NMs-INSG (18% P407, 0.25% chitosan) was spherical, with a suitable pH (5.4) and viscosity (5.024 Pa·s), and exhibited thixotropic/viscoelastic behavior. PAE/NMs-INSG showed sustained release, prolonged nasal retention. PAE, administered intranasally, effectively alleviates plateau insomnia. The developed PAE/NMs-INSG enhances PAE stability and exhibits sustained release, thereby offering a promising strategy.","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"13 2","pages":"192-202"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147879371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antidepressant mechanisms of a food-medicine homologous compound concentrate from Hemerocallis citrina Baroni: Regulation of PI3K/AKT/BDNF signaling pathway in preclinical models","authors":"Jialin Li, Chenxin Sun, Fengzhong Wang, Bei Fan, Xue Bai, Ziyang Wu, Xin Shi, Bolin Fan, Xiang Zou, Jing Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2026.03.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2026.03.006","url":null,"abstract":"To determine the optimal dosing ratio of the herbal components within compound Hemerocallis citrina Baroni ( H . citrina ) extract concentrate (CHEC), evaluate its antidepressant effects in zebrafish and mouse models of depression, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms with a particular focus on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway using network pharmacology and molecular biology approaches. The optimal CHEC formulation was screened using a zebrafish model of reserpine-induced depression. To assess neuroinflammation and monoamine neurotransmitter levels, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine in zebrafish brain tissues were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Active constituents were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and potential targets were predicted using the Swiss Target Prediction database. A traditional Chinese medicine–active ingredient–target network and a protein–protein interaction network were constructed, followed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses to explore potential mechanisms. A mouse model of depression was subsequently established using chronic restraint stress (CRS) combined with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide injection. The antidepressant effects of CHEC were assessed through behavioral tests, quantification of monoamine neurotransmitters and inflammatory cytokines, histopathological examination of hippocampal neurons using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and western blot analysis of PI3K/AKT/BDNF pathway-related proteins. CHEC significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors in CRS mice, as demonstrated by behavioral assessments. Treatment reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and restored monoamine neurotransmitter concentrations. Histological analysis revealed attenuation of hippocampal neuronal damage. Furthermore, CHEC significantly modulated the PI3K/AKT/BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus of depressive-like mice. CHEC exerts antidepressant-like effects by suppressing inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1β; enhancing dopamine and BDNF levels; and regulating the PI3K/AKT/BDNF signaling pathway. These findings provide mechanistic evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of CHEC for depression.","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"13 2","pages":"163-178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147877636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shexiang Tongxin dropping pill improves homocysteine-induced coronary microvascular dysfunction via regulating PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway","authors":"Shuai Li, Zuxian Zhang, Ming Gong, Xiaojun Li, Xuan Jia, Yijun Chen, Xianwen Tang, Wei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.12.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":"77-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147878704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ditan Qingnao decoction alleviates schizophrenia-like symptoms in a maternal immune activation-induced rat model via NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway inhibition","authors":"Xiawei Liu, Yunxia Liu, Yan Wang, Wenjun Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.11.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.11.003","url":null,"abstract":"To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Ditan Qingnao decoction (DTQND) in alleviating schizophrenia-like symptoms in a maternal immune activation (MIA)-induced rat model. DTQND components were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. An MIA-induced rat model was established by injecting Poly I:C into pregnant dams on gestational day 9. Male offspring were administered DTQND (14.1 g/kg), risperidone (RIS; 0.4 mg/kg), or distilled water, while the controls received only distilled water via gavage for 4 weeks. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the open-field, Y-maze, prepulse inhibition, and sucrose preference tests. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hippocampal protein levels of nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), phospho–NF–κB p65 (p-p65), inhibitor of kappa B-alpha (IκB-α), phospho-IκB-α (p-IκB-α), and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) were assessed via western blots. Immunohistochemistry detected hippocampal expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68). Multiple DTQND compounds were identified, including stachyose, β-syringin, and isofraxidin, among others. DTQND treatment considerably enhanced spontaneous activity, reduced anxiety, improved spatial working memory, and alleviated sensory gating defects in male offspring with MIA. The DTQND group showed significantly lower serum levels of IL-1β ( P = .002) and IL-18 ( P = .046) than the model group, with no discernible variations in IL-6 or TNF-α levels. In the hippocampus, DTQND significantly suppressed the expression of p-p65 ( P < .001), p-IκB-α ( P = .023), and NLRP3 ( P < .001) compared to the model group. Additionally, DTQND modulated microglial activation markers, decreasing CD68 expression ( P = .004) without affecting Iba1 levels. DTQND alleviated schizophrenia-like behavioral deficits and cognitive impairment by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, supporting its potential as an alternative therapy for schizophrenia.","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"13 1","pages":"90-100"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147921405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Jiaotai pill and its main component enhance islet hormone secretion in type 2 diabetic rats by activating the THP1/TGase2/SERT/5-HT1FRpathway","authors":"Hong-Cui Han, Xiaobin Huang, Yanyi Li, Peng Wang, Qing Miao, Yujie Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.06.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"To investigate the relationship between Jiaotai Pill (JTP), its main component berberine (BBR), and the serotonin (5-HT) system in regulating islet hormone secretion and alleviating pancreatic β-cell dysfunction during type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progression. T2DM rat model was established using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection. JTP, BBR, and Metformin were intragastrically administered for 35 days. The analyzed indices included blood glucose, blood lipids, islet hormones, and proteins related to 5-HT synthesis, secretion, and transport. Additionally, an in vitro model of glucose injury in islet cells was established to study the effects of JTP and BBR on islet hormone secretion following tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) inhibition. JTP and BBR significantly improved blood glucose and lipid levels and islet morphology in T2DM rats. Both models exhibited reduced islet 5-HT levels and impaired islet hormone secretion. However, the administration of JTP and BBR reversed these effects. Furthermore, JTP and BBR upregulated the expression of TPH1( P = .0194, P = .0413) transglutaminase 2 (TGase2; P = .0492, P = .0349), serotonin transporter (SERT, P = .0090), and 5- hydroxytryptamine 1F receptor (5-HT1FR) in the islet 5-HT pathway ( P = .0194). In the cell model, the regulatory effects of JTP and BBR on islet hormone levels were significantly weakened after TPH1 inhibition ( P = .001 ) , suggesting that JTP and BBR influence islet hormone secretion through the pancreatic 5-HT system. The islet 5-HT system is correlated with islet hormone secretion dysfunction in T2DM. JTP and BBR can improve islet hormone secretion by activating the TPH1/TGase2/SERT/5-HT1FR pathway in the islet 5-HT system in T2DM rats. • Provide a foundation for repairing pancreatic cell dysfunction caused by T2DM and developing preventive and therapeutic drugs for diabetes, based on the systemic exploration of the pancreatic islet 5-HT system regulating insulin secretion and acting on target proteins (TPH1/TGase2/SERT/5-HT1FR). • Introduce the islet 5-HT system into the mechanism of JTP and BBR for treating T2DM, offering a new perspective on the protective role of JTP and BBR in treating T2DM by preserving islet cells.","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"12 3","pages":"402-414"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147879217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The cardioprotective mechanisms of draconis sanguis: An integrated network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental validation study","authors":"Keyan Wang, Rongxin Zhu, Junjun Li, Binhua Yuan, Xiang Li, Yunlin Li, Mingyue Huang, F M Silva Rui, Chun Li, Wei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"To investigate the potential targets and mechanisms of Draconis Sanguis (DS), a valuable traditional Chinese medicine derived from the resin of the palm tree Daemonorops draco Bl ( D. Sanguis , Xue jie), in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). We explored the potential mechanisms of DS in the treatment of MI using network pharmacology, bioinformatic techniques, and transcriptomic analysis, followed by validation through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Network pharmacology and bioinformatic analyses identified five genes ( Fpr1 , Glul , Mme , Mmp9 , and Pla2g7 ) as potential targets for MI treatment. Moreover, DS significantly ameliorated cardiac function, inflammatory responses, and MI-induced myocardial fibrosis in vivo . Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses identified Pla2g7 as the most critical target in the DS treatment of MI. Molecular docking revealed that the key active ingredient in DS has a strong affinity for this gene. Furthermore, DS reduced the expression of Pla2g7 ( P = .0009), NLRP3 ( P = .003), interleukin-18 (IL-18, P < .001), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β, P = .004) mRNAs in vivo . The results indicate that DS can downregulate the expression of Pla2g7 and reduce the inflammatory response. This demonstrates the potential therapeutic target of DS and the mechanism underlying its cardioprotective effects.","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"12 3","pages":"336-347"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147921786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of mannose ester and its enhancement of tanshinone and glycyrrhetinic acid lipid nanoparticles","authors":"Ying Li, Jiexuan Wang, Xiuli Wang, Xue Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"To improve the efficiency of drug delivery, a mannose vinyl stearate mannose ligand (Man ligand) with active liver-targeting properties was synthesized. Non-aqueous enzymatic synthesis was used to modify the structure of mannose. Glycyrrhetinic acid-tanshinone lipid nanoparticles (GT-LN) and liver-targeted glycyrrhetinic acid-tanshinone mannose-modified lipid nanoparticles (GT-MLN) were prepared. The physicochemical properties and release profiles of both formulations were evaluated, and their pharmacokinetic behavior and tissue distribution were investigated. The average particle sizes of GT-LN and GT-MLN were 190.20 ± 1.35 and 204.83 ± 3.86 nm, respectively, with corresponding surface Zeta potentials of −28.0 ± 1.68 and −30.24 ± 2.10 mV. The drug release profile of GT-LN conformed to the Higuchi equation, whereas that of GT-MLN followed both the first-order kinetic and Ritger–Peppas equations. Both formulations significantly enhanced the gastrointestinal stability of the drug. In vivo studies in mice demonstrated that hepatic GA and TSN concentrations in both groups were significantly higher than those in the original drug suspension group ( P = .01). Notably, the concentrations in the GT-MLN group were significantly higher compared to the GT-LN group ( P = .01). Man ligand was formed via the linkage of vinyl stearate with the hydroxyl group at C-6 in mannose. The Man ligand endowed these lipid nanoparticles with obvious active liver-targeting properties. Our results provide an efficient and stable route of drug delivery to the liver with improved drug availability.","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"12 3","pages":"390-401"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147879725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elucidating the therapeutic potential of Maimendong decoction in pulmonary fibrosis: A molecular perspective","authors":"Shuangshuang He, Lan Zhang, Fang Zhang, Yuanrong Wang, Kai Wang, Shanshan Guo, Yuqi Wang, Wenqing Dong, Min Fu, Yu Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.03.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"To identify the active components in Maimendong decoction (MMDD) against pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and validate their molecular effects in vitro , while focusing on the role of methylophiopogonanone B in regulating fibrosis. Data on MMDD components and targets were gathered from databases including BATMAN-TCM and PubMed, whereas the PF gene data were sourced from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD. Shared targets were determined using the STRING database, and molecular docking was used to analyze the essential molecules associated with fibrosis. To simulate PF conditions, human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HPF) and A549 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Various assays were used to determine the effects of MMDD and methylophiopogonanone B on signaling pathways, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We identified 11 active components from MMDD extracts that targeted 511 shared proteins associated with PF, revealing 10 key targets in network analysis. Gene ontology analysis indicated that processes and pathways such as apoptosis regulation and PI3K/Akt signaling were involved. In vitro experiments revealed that MMDD downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (COL-I), and collagen type III and regulated Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways to promote apoptosis. The flow cytometry apoptosis assay revealed that MMDD promoted the TGF-β1-induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The primary active ingredient in MMDD, methylophiopogonanone B, reduced α-SMA, COL-I, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related protein levels in TGF-β1-treated HPF cells, decreased Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3, and increased Bax. Moreover, methylophiopogonanone B increased E-cadherin levels and reduced α-SMA, fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail in TGF-β1-treated A549 cells. Methylophiopogonanone B demonstrated the potential to treat PF by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis and inhibiting EMT. However, despite encouraging initial results, further clinical research is warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of methylophiopogonanone B in the management of PF.","PeriodicalId":36624,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences","volume":"12 2","pages":"231-245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147878175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}