Chinese Herbal Medicines最新文献

{"title":"Coptis chinensis shows distinct effects on hyperlipidemia and gut microbiota in high-fat diet induced mice with cold or hot syndrome","authors":"Yanan Yang ,&nbsp;Jiaguo Zhan ,&nbsp;Jiale Cheng ,&nbsp;Ying Cao ,&nbsp;Chongming Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Coptis chinensis</em> (Huanglian in Chinese, HL) is commonly utilized in clinical settings to counteract dyslipidemia in patients with hot syndrome. Its lipid-reducing efficacy has been consistently demonstrated in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic animal models. However, whether HL’s efficacy differs in HFD-fed animals with hot or cold syndromes remains unclear. This study aims to discern the variations in the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of HL in HFD-fed mice with hot or cold syndromes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>HFD-induced C57BL/6 mice were subjected to cold or hot syndrome via two weeks of ice water (0 °C) and levothyroxine sodium (240 µg/kg) treatment, respectively. Then, an aqueous extract of HL was administered to the mice via oral gavage over the following four-week period. Lipid levels in the serum and liver were gauged to determine the lipid-reducing effects of HL. Furthermore, gut microbiota composition was elucidated using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HL notably reduced lipid levels in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Its efficacy was amplified in hyperlipidemic mice with a hot syndrome but was markedly reduced in those with a cold syndrome. HL treatment led to a decline in alpha-diversity (characterized by ACE, Chao1, Shannon and Simpson index) of the gut microbiota in both sets of mice but affected specific microbial populations based on the syndrome. Specifically, while HL led to a notable increase in <em>Eubacterium</em>, <em>Robinsoniella</em>, and <em>Lachnoclostridium</em> genera, along with the enhancement of <em>Clostridium innocuum</em> and <em>Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron</em> species across all conditions, it syndrome-dependently stimulated <em>Romboutsia ilealis</em> and <em>Parabaceroides</em>_sp_HGS0025 species in mice with hot syndrome.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>HL shows stronger lipid-lowering effect on hyperlipidemic mice with hot syndrome, which is in accordance with its traditional usage in clinic. The therapeutic outcomes of HL are intrinsically tied, at least in part, to its modulatory effects on the gut microbiota, offering fresh insights into the foundational principles of traditional Chinese medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 529-538"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Curcumae Rhizoma: An anti-cancer traditional Chinese medicine","authors":"Yu Luo ,&nbsp;Lin Zhu ,&nbsp;Zhengyu Ren ,&nbsp;Jian Xiao ,&nbsp;Erwei Hao ,&nbsp;Jiahong Lu ,&nbsp;Jinmin Zhao ,&nbsp;Chun Yao ,&nbsp;Yitao Wang ,&nbsp;Hua Luo","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Curcumae Rhizoma</em>, derived from the rhizome of <em>Curcuma phaeocaulis</em>, <em>Curcuma kwangsiensis</em> and <em>Curcuma wenyujin</em>, was called Ezhu in China. In the past, <em>Curcumae Rhizoma</em> extracts were obtained through water decoction or alternative methods, which showed significant anti-cancer effects. However, the mixed extracts contain various compound components of <em>Curcumae Rhizoma</em>, leading to an ambiguous mechanism of action for <em>Curcumae Rhizoma</em> extracts anti-cancer. Contemporary researchers have extracted the chemical components of <em>Curcumae Rhizoma</em> separately for experimental verification of its active ingredients in the anti-cancer field. Numerous studies demonstrated that curcumol, germacrone, <em>β</em>-elemene, and curcumin in <em>Curcumae Rhizoma</em> extracts have significant governing effects in anti-cancer activities. Pharmacological studies have shown that <em>Curcumae Rhizoma</em> suppresses cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, triggering apoptosis and regulating cellular autophagy to achieve anticancer effects. Here, we summarized the research progress of <em>Curcumae Rhizoma</em> on anti-cancer effects from 2013 to 2022, aiming to explore the deeper molecular mechanisms of <em>Curcumae Rhizoma</em>’s active components in cancer treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 428-447"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655038","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling secrets of traditional Chinese medicine: Cutting-edge techniques in component analysis","authors":"Tingting Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.05.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.05.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chemical component analysis is a critical challenge in Chinese herbal medicine research, involving the qualitative and quantitative identification of complex constituents in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, traditional analytical methods are insufficient for efficient and comprehensive analysis of complex composition of TCM. Limitations exist in sample preparation, instrumental technology, data processing, and activity-related quality marker research. Recent advancements have significantly improved analytical precision, enabling more comprehensive profiling of TCM components. New pretreatment methods improve extraction efficiency and detection sensitivity, while novel instrumental technologies, such as mass spectrometry imaging, preserve spatial information lost in homogenization. AI enhances data interpretation, improving accuracy and efficiency. Online activity analysis links chemical composition with bioactivity, overcoming the limitations of purely chemical profiling and enabling a more comprehensive evaluation of TCM efficacy. This perspective provides an overview of the development trends in component analysis, aiming to advance the field and support TCM modernization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 484-487"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of borneol as enhancer in drug formulation: A review","authors":"Manqun Tang ,&nbsp;Wenwei Zhong ,&nbsp;Liwei Guo ,&nbsp;Haoran Zeng ,&nbsp;Yuxin Pang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), borneol has shown superior ability for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities when coupled with other active ingredients from ancient times. Furthermore, borneol is believed to improve blood concentration and bioavailability of drugs. Thus, it has been paired with various TCM formulas since ancient time. The physiological barriers in human can cause significant limitations in drug efficiency as the drug is primarily restricted from entering into blood and brain. Borneol has been proven to enhance the permeability of biological barriers such as the blood–brain, transdermal, corneal, and intestinal barriers. Moreover, growing interest has been shown in the drug delivery system design for <em>trans</em>-barrier transport involving borneol. Nano-drug delivery system with increased surface area and improved active sites, has been applied to increase the bioactivity of water insoluble drugs. Nano-drug delivery system has been used to enhance drug efficacy by reducing the time of action as compared to conventional administration approach of TCM formulas. Given its ability to enhance cross-barrier permeation and drug efficacy, borneol has been integrated into TCM formulas of drug delivery system for precise and prolonged targeting at tumor sites. However, the design and preparation of a drug delivery system consisting of borneol still face great challenges. Current research fails to unravel the difference in mechanism of action between nano-drug delivery systems comprised of borneol and conventional drug systems coupled with borneol. Enhanced penetration of borneol in drug delivery system is rarely verified compared to conventional administration with identical drug formulation consisting of borneol regarding dosage and medical indications. This study outlines the current state of research on the properties, formulation and pharmacological effects of borneol, allowing cross-comparison of borneol coupled with single compound and classical TCM formulas for various medical indications. This study aims to provide insights into the design of borneol-based enhanced cross-barrier delivery drug formulation, and the potential development of nano-drug system for TCM formulas with borneol for enhanced bioavailability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 473-483"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141025129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research progress of regulating intestinal flora by traditional Chinese medicine in treating coronary heart disease","authors":"Qiwen Lu ,&nbsp;Sang Luo ,&nbsp;Chengyan Guan ,&nbsp;Hao Zhang ,&nbsp;Haoyue Jia ,&nbsp;Qiang Wan","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease is a major cardiovascular condition driven by atherosclerosis, distinguished by chronic inflammation and dysregulated lipid metabolism. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in human health and disease, with research indicating a strong association between gut microbial metabolism and the development and progression of coronary heart disease. This article provides a review of the relationship between gut microbiota and coronary heart disease, as well as the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine regulates digestive tract microbiota to treat coronary heart disease, which systematically explains how the gut microbiota, through metabolic products and immune regulation, contributes to the occurrence and progression of coronary heart disease, and summarizes recent advances in research on traditional Chinese medicine’s regulation of gut microbiota for treating coronary heart disease. It aims to provide further reference and insights for exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and coronary heart disease, as well as traditional Chinese medicine approaches for treating coronary heart disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 464-472"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research on comprehensive quality consistency evaluation strategy for TCM Granules: A case study with sugar-free Yangwei Granules produced by fluid-bed granulation","authors":"Jie Zhao,&nbsp;Geng Tian,&nbsp;Haibin Qu","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To develop a quality consistency evaluation strategy for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) granules using sugar free Yangwei Granules as a model drug, and demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed method.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The strategy integrates several methods including, HPLC fingerprint and physical fingerprint methods analyze the similarity in chemical and physical properties of the TCM granule samples. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with principal components cluster analysis method is used to monitor normal operating conditions (NOC) samples accurately and to identify different types of abnormal operating conditions (AOC) samples, particularly those that deviate from the normal range.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The combined use of HPLC fingerprint and physical fingerprint provides insights into the chemical and physical properties of the samples. NIR spectroscopy, combined with principal components cluster analysis, achieves high accuracy in monitoring NOC samples and identifying AOC samples without misjudgment. The approach proves useful as a complementary method in cases where HPLC fingerprint and physical fingerprint alone lack sufficient resolution.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study establishes the feasibility and utility of the integrated approach for assessing the quality consistency of TCM granules. The strategy shows a high degree of generalization and holds significant importance for enhancing the quality control processes of TCM granules.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 575-583"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hyssopus cuspidatus extract inhibited OVA-sensitized allergic asthma through PI3K/JNK/P38 signaling pathway and lipid homeostasis regulation","authors":"Yali Zhang ,&nbsp;Huiming Peng ,&nbsp;Jingjing Li ,&nbsp;Pan Lv ,&nbsp;Mengru Zhang ,&nbsp;Xu Wang ,&nbsp;Siyu Wang ,&nbsp;Siying Zhu ,&nbsp;Jiankang Lu ,&nbsp;Xuepeng Fan ,&nbsp;Jinbo Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.11.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.11.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate the effect and mechanism of <em>Hyssopus cuspidatus</em> Boriss. extract (HCE) in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Components identification of HCE was conducted using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Mice were sensitized with OVA to establish asthmatic model, and dexamethasone was used as positive control. Respiratory reactivity, white cells counting in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and peripheral blood, cytokine level measurement in serum and lung tissue, and histologic examination were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HCE on asthma. Network pharmacology approach was used for mechanism prediction. Western blotting and untargeted lipidomics method were applied for mechanism validation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fifty-two compounds were identified in HCE, predominantly terpenoids and flavonoids. HCE markedly reduced airway resistance, the eosinophil infiltration in lung tissues, and the levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-13. Network pharmacology analysis suggested phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), c-Jun <em>N</em>-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) may be key proteins of HCE in the treatment of allergic asthma. Western blot results indicated that the levels of phosphorylated PI3K, JNK, and P38 were downregulated in HCE-treated group. Moreover, HCE significantly upregulated the levels of ceramide and sphingomyelin and downregulated the level of phosphatidylcholine.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>HCE inhibited allergic asthma via PI3K/JNK/P38 signaling pathway and lipid homeostasis regulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 539-547"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anthraquinones of Cassiae Semen alleviate lipid accumulation in obesity by regulating brown adipose tissue and liver function","authors":"Yijie Li ,&nbsp;Ruiyu Wu ,&nbsp;Xin Li ,&nbsp;Jianan Li ,&nbsp;Yinhao Zhang ,&nbsp;Yanbo Huang ,&nbsp;Guifang Fan ,&nbsp;Xiaojiaoyang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Cassiae Semen</em> (CS, Juemingzi in Chinese) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with a variety of pharmacological effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of anthraquinones of CS (AQS) for adiposity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The chemical components of the AQS were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict potential anti-obesity targets of action for AQS. We constructed high fat with high sugar water diet-induced obese mice and observed their body weight and whole-body lipid metabolism to evaluate the efficacy of AQS in promoting lipid metabolism. Subsequently, the epidermal temperature at the brown adipose tissue (BAT) before and after cold stimulation was observed and the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver and BAT tissues was detected to clarify the mechanism of action of AQS.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Network pharmacology analysis showed that AQS was involved in the regulation of liver and adipose tissue function under obesity. Pathological and biochemical results showed that AQS reduced lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissue induced by an unhealthy diet. With the increase of cold tolerance, the volume and weight of BAT were increased by AQS, suggesting that it regulated the body heat production dominated by BAT. After AQS treatment, the levels of genes related to uncoupling protein1 (UCP1)-mediated adaptive thermogenesis in BAT tissues and lipid metabolism in the liver were also increased, which further proved that AQS activated BAT function to promote lipid metabolism in the whole body.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study revealed the pharmacological effects of AQS, thereby providing a scientific basis for regulating BAT thermogenesis and liver lipid metabolism to alleviate obesity and providing clues for further exploring the application of natural active ingredients in the treatment of metabolism-related diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 488-499"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Riboflavin metabolism involved into comparison of therapeutic action of wild-simulated and transplanted Astragali Radix to treat chronic atrophic gastritis rats based on endogenous-xenobiotics metabolism","authors":"Kaidi Fan ,&nbsp;Xu Lian ,&nbsp;Weicong Zhang ,&nbsp;Xuemei Qin ,&nbsp;Yuetao Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.03.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.03.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Astragali Radix</em> (AR, Huangqi in Chinese) has been utilized generally as a bulk drug for the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in China. The efficacy of wild-simulated AR (WAR) and transplanted AR (TAR) commercially available is unclear. This study aimed to further clarify the therapeutic action of WAR and TAR to treat CAG rats based on endogenous-xenobiotics metabolism.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) based metabolomics had been used to analyze the cecal contents metabolic features and metabolic process differences of two ARs in the treatment of CAG.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Apparent pharmacodynamic indicator examination revealed that the WAR group had a more substantial curative effect. Metabolomics studies revealed that seven endogenous metabolites were significant differences in two ARs. Furthermore, following treatment, 77 and 65 xenobiotics metabolites were identified in the WAR and TAR groups, respectively. Finally, the most critical riboflavin metabolic route in the formation of CAG was chosen for molecular docking with the relevant exogenous components, and WAR scored higher than TAR.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In this work, we analyzed the efficacy differences of AR from diverse cultivation forms by combining metabolomics and medicinal chemistry technologies, and it gave a fresh perspective for TCM efficacy evaluation and quality control research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 513-528"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144655981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Applications and challenges of DNA barcoding in rapid radiation groups: Rhodiola (Crassulaceae) as a case study","authors":"Jinxin Liu ,&nbsp;Erhuan Zang ,&nbsp;Yu Tian ,&nbsp;Xinyi Li ,&nbsp;Tianyi Xin ,&nbsp;Lingchao Zeng ,&nbsp;Lijia Xu ,&nbsp;Peigen Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix</em> et <em>Rhizoma</em> (Hongjingtian in Chinese, RCRR), the roots and rhizomes of <em>Rhodiola crenulata</em> and its application in the medicinal market is very chaotic. In this study, DNA barcoding database and identification engine of <em>Rhodiola</em> species were established, decoction pieces from the medicinal market were identified, and the application and challenges of DNA barcoding in the rapid radiation of <em>Rhodiola</em> species were analyzed. This study provides reference for the protection, rational development, and utilization of endangered resources within <em>Rhodiola</em> species.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 50 original plant samples from 20 species of the genus <em>Rhodiola</em> from Hebei, Xinjiang, Tibet, Jilin, and other major production areas were collected. Theses samples cover the typical distribution area (Qinghai-Tibetan Platea) of <em>Rhodiola</em> species and other scattered alpine regions (Changbai Mountain, Taibai Mountain, Lushan Mountain, etc.), it encompasses all <em>Rhodiola</em> species with thick rhizomes in China. ITS2 and <em>psbA-trnH</em> barcode of <em>Rhodiola</em> database (BORD) were established and an identification engine named <em>Rhodiola</em>-IDE was developed. The stability and accuracy of the standard DNA barcoding database were evaluated using two datasets. <em>Rhodiola</em>-IDE identified 31 decoction pieces of <em>RCRR</em> from the medicinal material market.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The BORD containing 1 532 sequences of 88 <em>Rhodiola</em> species has been established, and the identification efficiency results showed good accuracy and stability. According to the <em>Chinese Pharmacopoeia</em> (2020 edition), 23 samples (74.2%) were identified as authentic <em>R. crenulata</em>, while the rest of the marketed varieties were <em>R. kirilowii</em>, <em>R. dumulosa</em>, and <em>R. fastigiata</em>. The product label “Larger flower, Hongjingtian” was identified as <em>R. crenulata</em>. Samples labeled as “Smaller flower, Hongjingtian” were identified as <em>R. crenulata, R. kirilowii</em>, and <em>R. fastigiata</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>ITS2 and <em>psbA-trnH</em> barcodes can identify monophyletic groups represented by <em>R. crenulata.</em> However, for non-monophyletic species, it is necessary to collect as many samples as possible and combine them with multiple markers for joint identification. This study discussed the application and challenges of DNA barcodes in <em>Rhodiola</em> under rapid radiation conditions, providing a scientific basis for the rational development and utilization of <em>Rhodiola</em> varieties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 3","pages":"Pages 555-561"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}