Chinese Herbal Medicines最新文献

{"title":"From natural laboratory to drug discovery: Chemical structures, bioactivities, and biosynthesis of meroterpenoids from Ganoderma species","authors":"Shuang Peng ,&nbsp;Jianzhao Qi ,&nbsp;Chao Lin ,&nbsp;Zhichao Xu ,&nbsp;Zhenhao Li ,&nbsp;Chengwei Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.03.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.03.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Meroterpenoids are secondary metabolites partially derived from the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway, and are widely distributed in plants, animals, and fungi. These natural products possess complex backbone structures and diverse bioactivities. <em>Ganoderma</em> meroterpenoids (GMs) form a distinct group of meroterpenoids were characterized by the presence of 1,2,4-trisubstituted phenyl and polyunsaturated terpene moieties. Various <em>Ganoderma</em> species have been extensively studied, leading to the discovery of several structurally unique meroterpenoids with significant pharmacological activities. After the first isolation and identification of GMs in 2 000, over 300 compounds from 14 species have been characterized for their structures and biological activities. The structures and activities of some GMs from different <em>Ganoderma</em> species vary greatly, probably due to significant differences in the genome and transcriptome of different <em>Ganoderma</em> species. We predicted the related enzymes based on the reported <em>Ganoderma</em> genome and proposed the biosynthetic pathway related to GMs. The results presented in this review provide a scientific foundation for the comprehensive exploration and utilization of diverse <em>Ganoderma</em> resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"18 1","pages":"Pages 29-44"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145941439","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":"Exploring new therapeutic potential of five commonly used Pteris medicinal plants through pharmaphylogenomics and network pharmacology","authors":"Yuwen Guan ,&nbsp;Jilong Cheng ,&nbsp;Qiuyue Lv ,&nbsp;Xueping Wei ,&nbsp;Baoping Jiang ,&nbsp;Peigen Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.09.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study investigates the novel medicinal potential of five commonly used <em>Pteris</em> genus plants, including <em>Pteris cretica</em>, <em>P. multifida</em>, <em>P. wallichiana</em>, <em>P. semipinnata</em>, and <em>P. vittata</em>, by analyzing their chloroplast genomes, chemical compositions, and pharmacological activities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a rigorous phylogenetic analysis of these five pteridophytes to elucidate their evolutionary relationships. Chemical constituents were subjected to network pharmacology analysis to investigate their potential medicinal properties. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and compounds-disease target networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.7.2. Functional annotations, including Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, were conducted by the Metascape platform. Finally, molecular docking simulations were carried out with AutoDock software to validate key findings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our study revealed a close phylogenetic relationship between <em>P. cretica</em> and <em>P. multifida</em>, with <em>P. cretica</em> exhibiting a higher enrichment score for COVID-19-related pathways. Network pharmacology analysis of <em>P. cretica</em> identified 21 compounds and 540 targets, including 69 associated with COVID-19. The potential therapeutic effects of <em>P. cretica</em> were linked to virus infection, inflammation, and immune response modulation. Core pathways included “coronavirus disease-COVID-19”, “JAK-STAT signaling pathway”, and “Toll-like receptor signaling pathway”. Molecular docking identified (22<em>E</em>)<em>-</em>5<em>α,</em>8<em>α-</em>epidioxyergosta-6,22-dien<em>-</em>3<em>β</em>-ol, notholaenic acid, 2<em>β,</em>15<em>α-</em>diol-ent-kaur-16-ene, and multikaurane A as vital compounds for COVID-19 treatment in <em>P. cretica</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights <em>P. cretica</em> as a potential candidate for COVID-19 prevention and treatment, identifying its key active components and mechanisms. These findings provide a scientific basis for further development of potential therapeutic agents based on <em>P. cretica</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 4","pages":"Pages 808-821"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145340588","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":"Rhein alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting Smad3 phosphorylation in TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway","authors":"Xiaoli Zheng ,&nbsp;Li Wang ,&nbsp;Yu Cheng ,&nbsp;Hao Lin ,&nbsp;Shundi Liu ,&nbsp;Xinjiang Chen ,&nbsp;Zheng Xiang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.07.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.07.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The anthraquinone compound rhein (1,8-dihydroxy-3-carboxyanthraquinone), derived from <em>Rhei Radix</em> et <em>Rhizoma</em> (rhubarb, Dahuang in Chinese), exhibits notable anti-fibrotic effects. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been fully elucidated. Suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3) phosphorylation plays a crucial role in the canonical transforming growth factor-<em>β</em> (TGF-<em>β</em>)/Smad signalling pathway. In this study, we investigated the effect of rhein on the TGF-<em>β</em>/Smad signalling pathway in renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A unilateral ischaemia–reperfusion injury (UIRI) rat model was employed to simulate renal injury and assess the therapeutic effect of rhein <em>in vivo</em>. <em>In vitro</em>, TGF-<em>β</em>1-stimulated NRK-52E rat renal epithelial cells and HK-2 human proximal tubular epithelial cells were used to mimic fibrotic conditions. Rhein’s interaction with Smad3 was further explored using molecular docking and bio-layer interferometry assays. Additionally, <em>Smad3</em> knockdown and overexpression studies were performed in HK-2 cells to elucidate the functional role of Smad3 in rhein-mediated anti-fibrotic activity.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Rhein treatment significantly improved renal function and reduced fibrosis in UIRI rats, primarily by inhibiting Smad3 phosphorylation. Rhein treatment mitigated aberrant remodelling and extracellular matrix accumulation in both NRK-52E and HK-2 cells and in the UIRI rat model. The anti-fibrotic effects of rhein were attenuated by Smad3 deficiency but enhanced by Smad3 overexpression in HK-2 cells.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Rhein exerts its anti-fibrotic effects in renal interstitial fibrosis by targeting the TGF-<em>β</em>/Smad3 signaling pathway. Acting as a natural antagonist of Smad3, rhein offers promising potential for therapeutic development in renal fibrosis. These findings provide a new mechanistic insight for further clinical research and drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 4","pages":"Pages 744-755"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145340580","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":"Salvia miltiorrhiza water extract ameliorated cGAS-STING-mediated acute liver injury by blocking interaction between STING and TBK1","authors":"Chengwei Li ,&nbsp;Ran Xu ,&nbsp;Manlin Zhang ,&nbsp;Simin Chen ,&nbsp;Qing Yao ,&nbsp;Congyang Zheng ,&nbsp;Xianlin Wang ,&nbsp;Xinru Wen ,&nbsp;Xiaohe Xiao ,&nbsp;Yinghao Wang ,&nbsp;Zhaofang Bai","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate the potential of <em>Salvia miltiorrhiza</em> water extract (SMWE) as a modulator of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of immune and inflammatory disorders, and to elucidate its underlying mechanism of action through <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The cGAS-STING signaling pathway was activated in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), Tohoku hospital pediatrics-1 (THP-1) cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The effect of SMWE on the expression of phosphorylated interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and phosphorylated STING after aberrant activation of the cGAS-STING pathway was detected by immunoblotting. Subsequently, real-time quantitative PCR was performed to detect changes in the mRNA levels of interferon type I (<em>IFN</em>), interferon-stimulated genes and inflammatory factors. The effect of SMWE on STING oligomerisation and the interaction between STING, Tank Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1) and IRF3 was investigated by immunoblotting. A model of acute liver injury (ALI) caused by lipopolysaccharide/<em>D</em>-galactosamine (LPS/<em>D</em>-GaIN) was used to test the effects of SMWE on inflammation mediated by the cGAS-STING signaling cascade.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SMWE significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of STING and IRF3, thereby suppressing the activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. It also stopped the cGAS-STING pathway from working by stopping the production of type I interferons and interferon-stimulated genes, like interferon-stimulated gene 15 (<em>ISG15</em>) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (<em>CXCL10</em>). SMWE also reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (<em>IL-6</em>) and tumour necrosis factor-<em>α</em> (<em>TNF-α</em>). SMWE also significantly improved ALI resulting from LPS/<em>D</em>-GaIN by diminishing the hyperactivation of the cGAS-STING signalling pathway. Mechanistic analysis revealed that SMWE disrupted the interaction between STING and TBK1.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SMWE is a potent modulator of aberrant activation of the cGAS-STING pathway and is able to prevent and treat LPS/<em>D</em>-GaIN-induced ALI by inhibiting activation of the cGAS-STING pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 4","pages":"Pages 768-778"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145340581","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":"Microbiota basis of antidepressant effects of Zhi-zi-chi Decoction: Lactobacillus rhamnosus and gut microbiota metabolism","authors":"Jing He ,&nbsp;Zixin Zhao ,&nbsp;Ying Ye ,&nbsp;Yujia Zhai ,&nbsp;Dexun Yu ,&nbsp;Fangyuan Gao ,&nbsp;Jianlin Wu ,&nbsp;Jun Wen ,&nbsp;Tingting Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Zhi-zi-chi Decoction (ZZCD) is a classical antidepressant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula. However, the microbiological basis of its antidepressant effects remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the microbial basis of ZZCD.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The bacteria that exhibit enhanced growth in ZZCD extracts were identified through <em>in vitro</em> culture. A depressed rat model was subsequently established to assess the antidepressant effects of the bacteria. A GC–MS-based metabolomics approach and molecular docking simulation were employed to investigate the potential mechanism of the antidepressant effects of the bacteria from the perspective of changes in the metabolic profile of the gut microbiota. Finally, the antioxidant effects of gut microbial metabolites following <em>Lactobacillus rhamnosus</em> treatment were validated through cellular experimentation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ZZCD was able to promote the growth of <em>L. rhamnosus</em>. Furthermore, <em>L. rhamnosus</em> was demonstrated to increase the percentage of sucrose preference, reduce the immobility time in tail suspension and forced swimming tests, and alleviate depressive symptoms in rats. Additionally, <em>L. rhamnosus</em> was shown to alter the metabolic profile of gut microbiota. A total of six metabolites (ethanamin, butyric acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, behenic acid, 3-methylvaleric acid and 1-hexadecanol) associated with depressive behavior in rats were identified. All six metabolites demonstrated the capacity to bind to kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap 1) in molecular docking simulations. Gut microbial metabolites after <em>L. rhamnosus</em> treatment increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels in HT22 cells.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>L. rhamnosus</em> may be one of the microbial bases for the antidepressant effects of ZZCD. Its effects may be related to the regulation of gut microbiota metabolism and anti-oxidative stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 4","pages":"Pages 798-807"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145340584","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":"Effect of different drying degrees on content of various chemical components and in vitro bioactivity of Chrysanthemi Indici Flos","authors":"Tao Wang ,&nbsp;Shuting Dong ,&nbsp;Qiaosheng Guo ,&nbsp;Qingjun Zou ,&nbsp;Feng Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Chrysanthemi Indici Flos</em> (CIF), the inflorescence of <em>Chrysanthemum indicum</em> L., is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditionally, the content of active components in Chinese medicinal materials often changes during processing. However, the variation patterns of main active components in CIF during drying remain largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the contents of multiple chemical components and <em>in vitro</em> bioactivity of CIF with different drying degrees, so as to provide an optimized scheme for its origin processing.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Fresh CIF were dried at 60 °C to obtain samples with different water contents (80%WC, 60%WC, 40%WC, 20%WC and DS). HPLC was used to determine eight chemical components (chlorogenic acid, 3,5-<em>O</em>-dicaffeoylquinic acid, galuteolin, linarin, luteolin, naringenin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin). <em>In vitro</em> assays evaluated antioxidant activity (radical scavenging), anti-inflammatory activity (enzyme inhibition) and antibacterial activity (disk diffusion, MIC) against several strains.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among eight chemical components, chlorogenic acid and linarin decreased significantly with drying, luteolin and kaempferol first increased then decreased (peaking at 40%WC), and naringenin was highest in 80%WC. HPLC fingerprint similarity was lowest (0.559) between 80%WC and DS samples. Antioxidant (Total reducing capacity/DPPH/ABTS/·OH IC50: 80%WC &gt; DS) and anti-inflammatory (XOD/LOX IC50: 80%WC &gt; DS) activities strengthened with drying. Extracts inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 1.560–3.125 mg/mL), Listeria monocytogenes (DS group inhibition zone larger) and <em>Escherichia coli</em> (MIC 3.125 mg/mL), but not <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> or <em>Salmonella paratyphoid</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Drying degree significantly affects CIF’s chemical profiles and <em>in vitro</em> bioactivities, with dry samples showing superior antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties and specific antibacterial effects. These findings offer targeted guidance for optimizing primary processing parameters of CIF.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 4","pages":"Pages 734-743"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145340579","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":"Human cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyze oxidative metabolism of pectolinarigenin to generate a more active Nrf2 agonist","authors":"Peiqi Liu ,&nbsp;Yanyan Deng ,&nbsp;Dongzhu Tu ,&nbsp;Jiahao Gong ,&nbsp;Feng Zhang ,&nbsp;Huixin Liu ,&nbsp;Qian Li ,&nbsp;Jing Hu ,&nbsp;Guangbo Ge","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.04.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To characterize the oxidative metabolic pathway(s) of pectolinarigenin (PEC) and reveal the effect of PEC oxidative metabolism on its biological activities including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) agonist effects, as well as the anti-oxidative and hepatoprotective activities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The oxidative metabolites of PEC were identified by liquid chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS/MS). The key enzymes involved in oxidative metabolism of PEC were assigned by P450 reaction phenotyping assays and enzymatic kinetics assays. Luciferase reporter assays and western blotting analysis were used to evaluate the Nrf2 and PPAR agonist effects of PEC and its oxidative metabolites. The intracellular levels of total reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutathione (GSH) in acetaminophen (APAP)-challenged hepatocytes were also tested.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>PEC could be readily metabolized to form two <em>O</em>-demethylated metabolites including hispidulin (HIS, 4′-<em>O</em>-demethylated PEC) and 6-<em>O</em>-demethylated PEC in human liver microsomes (HLM) in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), while HIS was identified as the major oxidative metabolite of PEC. At least nine human cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP) enzymes could catalyze PEC-4′-<em>O</em>-demethylation, while CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 showed the highest binding affinities and rapid metabolic clearance rates in the oxidative metabolism of PEC. Biological assays showed that PEC 4′-<em>O</em>-demethylation slightly decreased the PPAR agonist effects of PEC, while HIS showed more potent Nrf2 agonist effect. Compared with PEC, HIS showed more efficacious hepatoprotective effect against APAP-induced hepatocyte injury, evidenced by more potent ability to reduce intracellular ROS and LDH levels, as well as more effective ability to elevate the intracellular levels of both MPP and GSH in APAP-challenged hepatocytes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CYPs catalyze PEC-4′-<em>O</em>-demethylation to generate a more active Nrf2 agonist (HIS), which shows more efficacious hepatoprotective effects against APAP-induced hepatocyte injury.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 4","pages":"Pages 779-789"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145340582","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":"Decoding natural products for neuroprotection: Pathway networks and structural insights for drug development","authors":"Suman Ghosh ,&nbsp;Ishita Debnath ,&nbsp;Sobhanjan Bhunia ,&nbsp;Sumit Nandi ,&nbsp;Sumel Ashique ,&nbsp;Aditi Nayak ,&nbsp;Susmita Mallick ,&nbsp;Souvik Basak","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.09.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.09.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, are progressive disorders marked by neuronal dysfunction and death, driven by pathological mechanisms such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and protein misfolding. Despite scientific advances, current treatments remain largely palliative, underscoring the need for multitargeted therapeutic strategies. This narrative review synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence to explore the neuroprotective potential of natural products, with a focus on their ability to modulate key molecular pathways implicated in NDs. A comprehensive literature search across Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, MDPI, and Web of Science identified relevant studies. Bioactive compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, ginsenosides, quercetin, and marine-derived molecules like fucoxanthin and phlorotannin demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloidogenic, and mitochondrial-protective effects by modulating pathways including PI3K/Akt, NF-<em>κ</em>B, and Nrf2/ARE, thereby mitigating neuronal damage and promoting cell survival. Natural products from diverse sources, including honey, ginseng, marine macroalgae, and cyanobacteria, exhibited broad-spectrum neuroprotective properties, with advances in nano-formulations improving bioavailability and brain penetration. Furthermore, emerging approaches such as gene-drug interaction studies and scaffold-based drug design offer promising avenues for enhancing clinical translation. While natural products provide a holistic, multitargeted approach to combat NDs, challenges related to bioavailability and therapeutic translation persist, necessitating future research that integrates advanced drug delivery systems, precision medicine, and synthetic modifications to develop innovative and effective treatment paradigms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 4","pages":"Pages 643-672"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145340095","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":"Rapid identification of Astragalus membranaceus processing with rice water based on intelligent color recognition and multi-source information fusion technology","authors":"Dongmei Guo ,&nbsp;Yijing Pan ,&nbsp;Shunshun Wang ,&nbsp;Kehong Ming ,&nbsp;Qingjia Chi ,&nbsp;Chunli Wang ,&nbsp;Kang Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study seeks to optimize the processing parameters for <em>Astragalus membranaceus</em> with rice water (AM-RW), establish quality evaluation standards, and develop a rapid multilayer perceptron (MLP) model for classification. This model facilitates accurate identification of AM-RW at various processing stages, providing a scientific reference for the quality assessment of traditional Chinese medicine products.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Optimization of AM-RW was achieved using a single-factor test and Box-Behnken design response surface methodology to determine the optimal process parameters. The Watershed Algorithm was applied to segment images of AM tablets, and the numpy and pandas libraries were used to collect color data from these tablets. The study also explored the correlation between R, G, B, and L color values and calycosin-7-glucoside content. A rapid classification model based on MLP was developed, utilizing color values, hardness values, and calycosin-7-glucoside content of AM-RW with various processing degrees.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study identified the optimal parameters for AM-RW as 20 mL of rice water, a frying temperature of 180 °C, and a frying time of 7 min. The average color values for the best-processed products fell within the normal distribution range: R value (94.83 ± 8.57), G value (96.1 ± 19.37), B value (36.84 ± 5.93), and L value (89.55 ± 12.24). The rapid identification model using MLP demonstrated high accuracy and reliability, achieving an accuracy rate of 94% in the classification process.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The response surface method effectively optimizes the precise processing parameters of AM-RW. Furthermore, the MLP-based model can accurately classify AM-RW with varying degrees of processing, providing a valuable reference for the expedited identification of processing quality in traditional Chinese medicine products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 4","pages":"Pages 724-733"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145340099","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":"Challenges of regenerative medicine: New strategies from traditional Chinese medicine","authors":"Jiuhong Kang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.09.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2025.09.006","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 4","pages":"Pages 609-610"},"PeriodicalIF":8.9,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145340092","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}