Anna Rita Bilia , Rebecca Ballerini , Liping Qu , Mei Wang
{"title":"Traditional Chinese herbal medicine in European Union: State of art, challenges, and future perspectives focusing on Italian market","authors":"Anna Rita Bilia , Rebecca Ballerini , Liping Qu , Mei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.11.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.11.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM) has been used in China for thousands of years as an integral part of the healthcare system.The use of botanical products deriving from plants from TCM has become very spread and rooted in European Union (EU), generating a manufacturing industry of pronounced size, in particular the segment of food supplements, but recently also medical devices and cosmetics based on plants from TCM, especially in Italy. Only seven Herbal Medicinal Products (HMP) based on plants from TCM are present in EU besides more than 100 monographs on TCM plants are present in <em>the European Pharmacopoeia</em>. Indeed, the number of herbal monographs of European Medicine Agency (EMA) which report the main data on safety and efficacy of medicinal plants from TCM are very limited and this could be a reason for the limited number of HMP based on herbal drugs used in TCM. It is clear that those botanicals based on TCM but not classified as HMP can represent a sort of “borderline” products. Very likely, they are present on the European market because of the simpler authorization when compared with HMP. Some examples of these categories (food supplements and medical devices) containing plants from TCM and marketed in Italy are reported in this review. Consequently, it is urgent the need to clarify their categorization, also fundamental for the consumer protection. It is imperative the establishment of EU quality standards and official registration for Chinese herbal medicinal products, even if they are marketed as food supplements, medicinal devices or cosmetics because the international quality standards <em>International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 249-Traditional Chinese Medicine</em> (ISO/TC249) can harmonize the quality control and promote the trading internationally. Governmental organizations together with companies producing TCM should work together to accelerate the legislation of laws pertaining to TCM, and generate an environment where TCM does not just continue to exist but truly develop.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 1","pages":"Pages 3-18"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143137818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qi Wu, Qimei Chen, Jingyi Yang, Jiayu Zhang, Ailin Yang
{"title":"Material basis revelation of anti-hepatoma effect of Huachansu (Cinobufacini) through down-regulation of thymidylate synthase","authors":"Qi Wu, Qimei Chen, Jingyi Yang, Jiayu Zhang, Ailin Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Huachansu (Cinobufacini) is active extract isolated from the dry skin of <em>Bufo Bufo gargarizans</em>. It has now been widely used in clinical treatment of cancer, this study is to clarify the material basis of down-regulation of thymidylate synthase (TYMS) induced by Huachansu.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Our study utilized UPLC-MS/MS to identify major bioactive components from Huachansu. Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and clone formation assay were used to examine the cell viability of tumor cells. TYMS and γ-H2AX level were detected by using quantitative real-time RT-PCR and/or western blotting. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection was used to explore whether inhibition of TYMS could enhance the suppressive effect of Huachansu on cell growth of HCC cells.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In our study, firstly, we identify 21 major bioactive components from Huachansu. CCK-8 assay results showed that Huachansu and its bioactive bufadienolides (Bufalin, Bufotalin, Cinobufotalin, Desacetylcinobufagin, Arenobufagin, Telocinobufagin, and Resibufogenin) significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Further molecular mechanistic investigation demonstrates that Huachansu significantly suppresses thymidylate synthase (TYMS), the enzyme which provides the sole de novo source of thymidylate for DNA synthesis. The inhibition of TYMS could lead to cell-cycle block and DNA damage of HCC cells. Furthermore, we identified that Huachansu markedly increased γ-H2AX expression, which indicated the presence of DNA damage. Moreover, we confirmed that transfection of cells with small interfering RNA specific to TYMS could increase the suppressive effects of Huachansu on the HCC cells proliferation. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that Huachansu treatment had no effect on the transcription level of TYMS. Furthermore, proteasomal inhibitor MG132 could block TYMS inhibition induced by Huachansu, and concomitant administration of protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) with Huachansu could further suppress the protein level of TYMS, indicating that Huachansu promotes proteasome-dependent degradation of TYMS in liver cancer cells. More importantly, the bioactive bufadienolides of Huachansu such as Bufalin, Bufotalin, Cinobufotalin, Desacetylcinobufagin, Arenobufagin, Telocinobufagin, and Resibufogenin could also significantly restrain the protein level of TYMS, revealing the material basis of inhibition of TYMS exposed to Huachansu. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a TYMS inhibitor, we also evaluate the effects of the combined treatment of Huachansu with 5-FU, the results show that interactions between Huachansu and 5-FU are synergistic or antagonistic. Thus, in clinical, attention should be paid to the dosage of Huachansu in combination with 5-FU.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 1","pages":"Pages 127-138"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141133750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assembly and network of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma surface microbiome shaped by processing methods and sampling locations","authors":"Guangfei Wei , Xiao Chen , Guozhuang Zhang , Conglian Liang , Zhaoyu Zhang , Bo Zhang , Shilin Chen , Linlin Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.11.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.11.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Rhei Radix</em> et <em>Rhizoma</em> has five types of products, namely, raw rhubarb (RR), wine rhubarb (WR), vinegar rhubarb (VR), cooked rhubarb (CR), and rhubarb charcoal (RC). However, <em>Rhei Radix</em> et <em>Rhizoma</em> is easily contaminated with fungi and mycotoxins if not harvested or processed properly. Here, we intend to analyze how microbiome assemblies and co-occurrence patterns are influenced by sampling locations and processing methods.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>High-throughput sequencing and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) were carried out to study the diversities (α- and β-diversity), composition (dominant taxa and potential biomarkers), and network complexitity of surface fungi on RR, WR, VR, CR, and RC collected from Gansu and Sichuan provinces, China.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota; the genera <em>Kazachstania</em>, <em>Malassezia</em>, and <em>Asterotremella</em>; and the species <em>Kazachstania exigua</em>, <em>Asterotremella pseudolonga</em>, and <em>Malassezia restricta</em> were the dominant fungi and exhibited differences in the two provinces and the five processed products. The α-diversity and network complexity were strongly dependent on processing methods. Chao 1, the Shannon index, and network complexity and connectivity were highest in the CR group. The α-diversity and network complexity were influenced by sampling locations. Chao 1 and network complexity and connectivity were highest in the Gansu Province.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The assembly and network of the surface microbiome on <em>Rhei Radix</em> et <em>Rhizoma</em> were shaped by processing methods and sampling locations. This paper offers a comprehensive understanding of microorganisms, which can provide early warning for potential mycotoxins and ensure the safety of drugs and consumers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 1","pages":"Pages 189-199"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143137866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yiqin Hong , Hui Wang , Hanyan Xie , Xinyi Zhong , Xu Chen , Lishuang Yu , Yawen Zhang , Jingmei Zhang , Qiyan Wang , Binghua Tang , Linghui Lu , Dongqing Guo
{"title":"Qishen Granule protects against myocardial ischemia by promoting angiogenesis through BMP2-Dll4-Notch1 pathway","authors":"Yiqin Hong , Hui Wang , Hanyan Xie , Xinyi Zhong , Xu Chen , Lishuang Yu , Yawen Zhang , Jingmei Zhang , Qiyan Wang , Binghua Tang , Linghui Lu , Dongqing Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.12.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2023.12.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Therapeutic angiogenesis has become a promising approach for treating ischemic heart disease (IHD). The present study aims to investigate the effects of Qishen Granule (QSG) on angiogenesis in myocardial ischemia (MI) and the potential mechanism.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>In vivo</em> study was conducted on rat model of myocardial infarction. QSG was performed daily at a dose of 2.352 g/kg for four weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiogram and pro-angiogenic effects were evaluated by Laser Doppler and CD31 expression. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was applied in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cell viability, wound healing and tube formation assay were used to test functions of HUVECs. ELISA and Western blots were used to assess protein expressions of bone morphogenetic protein 2-delta-like 4-notch homolog 1 (BMP2-Dll4-Notch1) signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that QSG improved heart function, cardiac blood flow and microvessel density in myocardial ischemic rats. <em>In vitro,</em> QSG protected HUVECs by promoting the cell viability and tube formation. QSG upregulated bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and downregulated delta-like 4 (Dll4) and notch homolog 1 (Notch1) expressions both in rats and HUVECs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>QSG protected against MI by promoting angiogenesis through BMP2-Dll4-Notch1 pathway. BMP2 might be a promising therapeutic target for IHD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 1","pages":"Pages 139-147"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143137888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhiyun Wang , Huajie Chang , Qian Zhao , Wenfeng Gou , Yiliang Li , Zhengwei Tu , Wenbin Hou
{"title":"Mass spectrometry imaging for unearthing and validating quality markers in traditional Chinese medicines","authors":"Zhiyun Wang , Huajie Chang , Qian Zhao , Wenfeng Gou , Yiliang Li , Zhengwei Tu , Wenbin Hou","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Quality marker (Q-Marker) is an innovative concept and model for quality control of Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), which will navigate the new direction of quality development of TCMs. Yet, how to characterize the overall quality attributes of TCMs and their biological effects is still debating. In view of this key scientific issue, this paper proposes a research method based on mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technology for the discovery and confirmation of TCMs Q-Marker. MSI is powerful in investigating the spatial distribution of molecules in a variety of samples, and visualizing the information obtained from MS. On this basis, combine with the five principles of TCMs Q-Marker validation, i.e., specificity, transmission and traceability, testability, prescription compatibility, and validity, were applied to confirm the finalized Q-Marker. It will lead the new direction of quality development of TCMs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 1","pages":"Pages 31-40"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143137820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lina Sun , Cuiling Zuo , Baonan Ma , Xinxin Liu , Yifei Guo , Xiangtao Wang , Meihua Han
{"title":"Intratumoral injection of two dosage forms of paclitaxel nanoparticles combined with photothermal therapy for breast cancer","authors":"Lina Sun , Cuiling Zuo , Baonan Ma , Xinxin Liu , Yifei Guo , Xiangtao Wang , Meihua Han","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>In order to enhance the efficacy of anti-breast cancer, paclitaxel nanoparticles (PTX NPs) and polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy NPs) were combined with photothermal therapy and chemotherapy. At the same time, the two dosage forms of PTX NPs and PTX NPs gel were compared.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PTX NPs were prepared by self-assembly method, and then the cytotoxicity <em>in vitro</em> was investigated by Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and other methods, and the efficacy and side effects <em>in vivo</em> were further investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The average hydrated diameter, PDI and electric potential of PTX NPs were (210.20 ± 1.57) nm, (0.081 ± 0.003) mV and (15.80 ± 0.35) mV, respectively. MTT results showed that the IC<sub>50</sub> value of PTX NPs on 4 T1 cells was 0.490 μg/mL, while that of PTX injection was 1.737 μg/mL. The cell inhibitory effect of PTX NPs was about 3.5 times higher than that of PTX injection. The tumor inhibition rates of PTX NPs and gel were 48.64% and 56.79%, respectively. Together with local photothermal stimulation, the tumor inhibition rate of the PTX NPs reached 91.05%, surpassing that of the gel under the same conditions (48.98%), moreover, the organ index and H&E staining results of PTX NPs showed a decrease in toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This combination therapy can significantly enhance the effect of anti-breast cancer, and the synergistic effect of chemotherapy and light and heat provides a feasible and effective strategy for the treatment of tumor.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"17 1","pages":"Pages 156-165"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143137889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology reveals anti-asthmatic effects of Nepeta bracteata on allergic asthma rats","authors":"Kailibinuer Abulaiti , Miheleayi Aikepa , Mireguli Ainaidu , Jiaxin Wang , Maiwulanijiang Yizibula , Maihesumu Aikemu","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate the mechanisms that underlie the anti-asthmatic effects of <em>Nepeta bracteata</em> (DBJJ, Dabao Jingjie in Chinese) in rats by integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, the rat model of asthma was induced by ovalbumin (OVA), and the rats were treated with a decoction of <em>N. bracteata</em>. Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed, and the quantification of eosinophils (EOS) and white blood cells (WBC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was performed. Furthermore, the serum levels of asthma-related factors induced by OVA were assessed. <sup>1</sup>H NMR spectroscopy serum metabolomics method was utilized to identify differential metabolites and their associated metabolic pathways. UPLC-QE-MS/MS combined with network pharmacology was employed to predict the core targets and pathways of DBJJ in its action against asthma. The anti-asthmatic properties of DBJJ were investigated using an integrated approach of metabolomics and network pharmacology. The findings were validated through molecular docking and Western blotting analysis of the key targets.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The administration of DBJJ effectively alleviated OVA-induced lung histopathological changes and decreased the number of EOS and WBC in BALF. Additionally, DBJJ inhibited the OVA-induced elevation of TNF-α, IL-18, Ig-E, EOS, IL-1β, MDA, VEGF-A, and TGF-β1. A total of 21 biomarkers and 10 pathways were found by metabolomics analysis. A total of 29 compounds were identified by UPLC-QE-MS/MS, in which 13 active components were screened by oral availability and Caco-2 cell permeability, the 120 targets and 173 KEGG pathways were predicted. The integration of metabolomics and network pharmacological analysis revealed that DBJJ's main constituents, including ferulic acid and ursolic acid, exerted their effects on four targets, namely DAO and NOS2, as well as their associated metabolites and pathways. The active constituents of DBJJ demonstrated a high binding affinity towards DAO and NOS2. Furthermore, DBJJ was observed to decrease the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of NOS2, MAPK, and STAT3.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The administration of DBJJ demonstrates notable anti-asthma properties in rats with allergic asthma. This effect can be attributed to the modulation of various targets, including NOS2, MAPK, and STAT3, by primary constituents such as ferulic acid and ursolic acid.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 599-611"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140402265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yingli Xu , Lei Bao , Ronghua Zhao, Zihan Geng, Shuran Li, Bo Pang, Qiyue Sun, Shanshan Guo, Xiaolan Cui, Jing Sun
{"title":"Mechanisms of Shufeng Jiedu Capsule in treating bacterial pneumonia based on network pharmacology and experimental verification","authors":"Yingli Xu , Lei Bao , Ronghua Zhao, Zihan Geng, Shuran Li, Bo Pang, Qiyue Sun, Shanshan Guo, Xiaolan Cui, Jing Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of Shufeng Jiedu Capsule (SFJD) for treating bacterial pneumonia (BP) <em>in vivo</em> based on network pharmacology and experimental verification study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Network pharmacology was used to screen the active compounds and target genes of SFJD. Then, the multi drug resistance-<em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> (MDR-PA) mice lethal model and MDR-PA pneumonia model were established to evaluate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of SFJD. Western blot and ELISA were used to determinate the protein expression level of the IL-17 signaling pathway and JAK/STAT signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After screening, 172 potential components of SFJD were generated, based on which we constructed an SFJD-component-target-BP interaction network. The Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment revealed that SFJD could regulate the IL-17 signaling pathway and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway. Molecular docking showed that the potential target proteins had good combinations with the main active components. SFJD significantly reduced the mortality and prolonged survival days in lethal models. The lung index and pathological changes in the lung were also significantly decreased. SFJD could significantly decrease the expression of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), phospho-inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B (p-IκB)/inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB), phospho-NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT)/AKT, phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3)/STAT3, phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (p-STAT1)/STAT1, and the protein level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and IL-1β.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Combined with network pharmacology and <em>in vivo</em> study, it was found that SFJD exerted its therapeutic effects on BP by inhibiting the IL-17 pathway and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. This study provides new evidence for SFJD in treatment of BP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 656-666"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140402281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mengfei Yang , Xiuying Zhang , Qing Liu , Yongxue Wang
{"title":"Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and untargeted metabolomics reveal molecular mechanisms of multi-targets effects of Qingfei Tongluo Plaster improving respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia","authors":"Mengfei Yang , Xiuying Zhang , Qing Liu , Yongxue Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.07.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.07.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Qingfei Tongluo Plaster (QFP), an improved Chinese medicine hospital preparation, is an attractive treatment option due to its well clinical efficacy, convenience, economy, and patient compliance in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy mechanism of QFP on RSV rats from the perspective of alleviating lung inflammation and further explore the changes of serum metabolites and metabolic pathways in RSV rats under the influence of QFP.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study used network pharmacological methods and molecular docking combined with molecular biology and metabolomics from multi-dimensional perspectives to screen and verify the therapeutic targets. Open online databases were used to speculate the gene targets of efficient ingredients and diseases. Then, we used the String database to examine the fundamental interaction of common targets of drugs and diseases. An online enrichment analysis was performed to predict the functional pathways. Molecular docking was applied to discover the binding modes between essential ingredients and crucial gene targets. Finally, we demonstrated the anti-inflammatory ability of QFP in the RSV-evoked pneumonia rat model and explained the mechanism in combination with the metabolomics results.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were 19 critical targets defined as the core targets: tumor necrosis factor (<em>TNF</em>), inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (<em>NOS2</em>), mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (<em>MAPK14</em>), g1/S-specific cyclin-D1 (<em>CCND1</em>), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1-alpha/beta (<em>STAT1</em>), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (<em>SRC</em>), cellular tumor antigen p53 (<em>TP53</em>), interleukin-6 (<em>IL6</em>), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (<em>HIF1A</em>), RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (<em>AKT1</em>), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (<em>STAT3</em>), heat shock protein HSP 90-alpha (<em>HSP90AA1</em>), tyrosine-protein kinase JAK2 (<em>JAK2</em>), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (<em>CDKN1A</em>), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (<em>MAPK3</em>), epidermal growth factor receptor (<em>EGFR</em>), myc proto-oncogene protein (<em>MYC</em>), protein c-Fos (<em>FOS</em>) and transcription factor p65 (<em>RELA</em>). QFP treated RSV pneumonia mainly through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/RAC AKT pathway, HIF-1 pathway, IL-17 pathway, TNF pathway, and MAPK pathway. Animal experiments proved that QFP could effectively ameliorate RSV-induced pulmonary inflammation. A total of 28 metabolites underwent significant changes in the QFP treatment, and there are four metabolic pathways consistent with the KEGG pathway analyzed by network pharmacology, suggesting that they may be critical processes related to treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These results provide essential p","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 638-655"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142651770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mengxiang Ding , Huizhen Cheng , Xiaohang Li , Xue Li, Min Zhang, Dianxin Cui, Yijin Yang, Xiaojin Tian, Hongda Wang, Wenzhi Yang
{"title":"Phytochemistry, quality control and biosynthesis in ginseng research from 2021 to 2023: A state-of-the-art review concerning advances and challenges","authors":"Mengxiang Ding , Huizhen Cheng , Xiaohang Li , Xue Li, Min Zhang, Dianxin Cui, Yijin Yang, Xiaojin Tian, Hongda Wang, Wenzhi Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chmed.2024.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Panax</em> L. (Araliaceae) has a long history of medicinal and edible use due to its significant tonifying effects, and ginseng research has been a hot topic in natural products research and food science. In continuation of our recent ginseng review, we highlighted the advances in ginseng research from 2021 to 2023 with 157 citations, which exhibited the increasingly systematic, collaborative, and intelligent characteristics. In this review, we firstly updated the progress in phytochemistry involving the ginsenosides and polysaccharides and summarized the researches on the active components. Then, some specific applications by feat of the multidimensional chromatography, mass spectrometry imaging, DNA barcoding, and metabolomics, were analyzed, which could provide rich information supporting the multi-component characterization, authentication, and quality control of ginseng and the versatile products. Finally, the recent biosynthesis studies concerning ginsenosides were retrospected. Additionally, the current challenges and future trends with respect to ginseng research were discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9916,"journal":{"name":"Chinese Herbal Medicines","volume":"16 4","pages":"Pages 505-520"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142651773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}