Rhubarb (Rheum spp.), a traditional herbal medicine, has attracted growing interest due to its anti-renal fibrosis effects in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review systematically evaluates Rhubarb's botanical features, global distribution, and diverse processing methods, which influence its chemical composition and bioactivity. Major bioactive constituents, including anthraquinones, stilbenes, and polyphenols, are cataloged, and their potential roles in renal protection are elucidated. Traditional applications in nephropathy management are critically assessed alongside contemporary pharmacological evidence demonstrating Rhubarb's ability to attenuate renal fibrosis. Notably, this review highlights that multiple bioactive components in Rhubarb exert potent anti-fibrotic effects through complex, interactive modulation of multiple signaling pathways. Despite promising preclinical data, clinical translation remains limited by insufficient understanding of pharmacokinetics and potential herb-drug interactions. This synthesis identifies key research gaps, advocating for interdisciplinary studies to decipher multi-target mechanisms, refine pharmacokinetic profiles to enhance bioavailability, and translate preclinical findings into randomized controlled trials (RCTs). By integrating ethnopharmacological knowledge with modern drug discovery frameworks, this review underscores Rhubarb's potential as a multifaceted anti-fibrotic agent while calling for methodologically rigorous research to validate its therapeutic integration into CKD management protocols.
Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial inflammatory skin condition that affects over 80% of adolescents worldwide. Conventional monotherapy often fails to address sebaceous hyperplasia, Cutibacterium acnes dysbiosis and epidermal barrier dysfunction concurrently. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has long been used to treat acne patterns such as 'damp-heat' or 'blood-stasis', but the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness require further substantiation within a modern translational framework. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal formulas and their bioactive constituents in treating acne and to establish a multi-level framework that bridges classical formulas with active compounds in order to inform multi-target therapeutic strategies. A systematic search of the CNKI database (2014-2024) was conducted, alongside cross-referencing with prescription databases and a comprehensive review of pharmacological and clinical studies on Chinese herbal formulas for treating acne. Classical and modern compound formulas exert a holistic effect by regulating sebum production, microbial homeostasis and inflammation synergistically. A bibliometric analysis of 1247 prescriptions identified eight core herbs. The primary bioactive constituents of these herbs, including glycyrrhizin, baicalein, forsythoside A, paeoniflorin, cryptotanshinone and catalpol, modulate key signalling pathways (PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, MAPK and Nrf2/ARE) in order to suppress sebum synthesis, inhibit C. acnes biofilms, reduce inflammation and promote skin barrier repair. Chinese herbal formulas achieve multi-pathway, multi-target regulation through systematic herb compatibility, while their active constituents target interconnected nodes of acne pathogenesis. By integrating the holistic efficacy of formulas with the mechanistic precision of their components, this review establishes a research paradigm for TCM-based anti-acne therapeutics and provides a theoretical foundation for the development of ethnopharmacology-informed botanical therapies.
The purpose of this review is to systematically categorize and critically evaluate the chemical metabolites, processing methods, and pharmacological effects of the core active ingredient asperosaponin VI (ASD VI) sourced from Dipsacus asper. By following the principles of systematic review and best practices of ethnopharmacology, we analyzed available literature up to the year 2025. The results indicate that more than one hundred metabolites have been identified and reported in D. asper, including triterpenoid saponins, iridoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids, among which ASD VI is the main active marker. Traditional wine-frying, salt-frying, and sweating processes have been known to significantly elevate the content and dissolution rate of ASD VI through biological transformations or physical and chemical changes, which enhance its effects of strengthening bones, tonifying the kidney, and hemostasis. ASD VI itself exhibits multiple pharmacological activities, such as promoting bone formation, offering neuroprotection, improving metabolic liver disease, enhancing myocardial protection, and preventing miscarriage. Its roles involve regulation of key signaling pathways like BMP/Smad, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/AKT. However, our critical analysis reveals that current research efforts have some common limitations like the use of single model approaches, mechanisms mostly being evaluated at the correlation level, and missing data regarding the critical pharmacokinetics and clinical transformations. As a pilot effort, we systematically review the chemical composition, processing modifications, and component pharmacology of D. asperoides within a common framework that not only integrates existing knowledge but also reveals the core scientific bottlenecks from traditional experience to modern drug development; this is expected to provide a clear roadmap for in-depth research and development of ASD VI in the future.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options. While natural products offer a vast chemical space for drug discovery, the literature at the oncology-phytochemistry interface remains fragmented. This study provides a high-resolution bibliometric curation to map research trends and pharmacological hotspots in HCC therapy over the last decade. A systematic search was conducted via Scopus for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Following manual curation of 1477 eligible articles, VOSviewer and the Bibliometrix R-package were utilized for analysis. A distinctive feature was the integration of taxonomic validation and manual text mining to ensure high accuracy of botanical and phytochemical data. Our findings reveal an exponential growth in scientific production, led by China, the USA, and India. The editorial landscape spans over 400 journals and 90 publishers, such as Elsevier, Frontiers, MDPI and Wiley. Phytomedicine and Journal of Ethnopharmacology were the most prolific journals. We identified over 700 distinct phytochemicals, notably quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol, and approximately 600 plant species. Thematic clustering demonstrated that these compounds modulate critical cellular events, including apoptosis, oxidative stress, cell-cycle checkpoints, epithelial-mesenquimal transition, and distinct but complementary signaling pathway, such as Bax-Bcl-2, PI3K/Akt, mTOR, VEGF, SIRT1/NRF2, MAPK/ERK, CHOP and GRP78, and also different classes of miRNAs. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems emerged as a major trend to overcome bioavailability challenges. This bibliometric curation provides a mapping of the field, identifying critical thematic transitions and current knowledge gaps. The systematic cataloging of authors, institutions, publishers, journals, and phytochemicals offers a foundation for prioritizing molecules in future trials, providing objective insights for drug discovery and potential novel targeted therapies for HCC.
Myocardial infarction (MI), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, may be treated by enhancing glycolysis in myocardial microvascular endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis. Salvia miltiorrhiza provides cardioprotection by modulating energy metabolism and angiogenesis. While our previous research identified an optimal proportion (OP) of its active components for myocardial protection, it remains unclear whether this mechanism involves the regulation of endothelial glycolysis to promote angiogenesis. To clarify the therapeutic mechanism by which OP exerts cardioprotective effects by promoting angiogenesis through the upregulation of myocardial endothelial glycolysis. In this study, oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated H9c2 cells were used to detect glycolysis levels, and OGD-treated short hairpin (sh)-6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase3 (PFKFB3) human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and MI C57BL/6 mice were used to detect glycolysis and angiogenesis. The results demonstrated that OP could increase glycolysis levels through adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/PFKFB3, and then activate hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) to promote angiogenesis, improve myocardial histopathological morphology, attenuate myocardial fibrosis, reduce levels of myocardial enzymes, enhance cardiac function, and ultimately exert myocardial protective effects in MI mice. OP can enhance myocardial glycolysis through AMPK/PFKFB3, and then activate HIF-1α/VEGF/VEGFR2 to promote angiogenesis and serve as a therapy for MI. The preliminary elucidation of the efficacy and therapeutic mechanism of OP in MI provides a methodological basis for the clinical application and drug development of Salvia miltiorrhiza.
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory condition mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), AR is categorized under the term "bi qiu" , with its core pathogenesis attributed to dysfunction of the lung, spleen, and kidney, compounded by external pathogenic invasion. Chinese herbal formulas, such as Yupingfeng San (Jade Wind Screen Powder), documented in the Danxi Xinfa , have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in alleviating AR symptoms, supported by centuries of clinical application in China. This review systematically synthesizes recent advances in the multifactorial pathogenesis of AR and evaluates the therapeutic potential of TCM based on clinical efficacy data and mechanistic studies. It further elucidates the capacity of TCM to modulate AR-associated immune dysregulation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and microbial imbalance through multi-target mechanisms. By doing so, the review establishes a theoretical framework supporting the application of TCM in AR management and proposes innovative TCM-based strategies to overcome limitations associated with conventional treatments. This paper provides a systematic summary of the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) and evaluates the clinical efficacy and molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of AR. The findings are based on a comprehensive literature search conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The search strategy employed keywords including "allergic rhinitis," "pathogenesis," "traditional Chinese medicine," "Chinese herbal medicine," "herbal medicine," and "active components of Chinese medicine.""treatment," "immunotherapy," and "biologics" in various combinations. ① Original clinical studies, observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and meta-analyses related to the topic.② Articles published in the last five years (2020-2025) on AR pathogenesis and TCM treatment, with seminal earlier studies on classical mechanisms (e.g., Th1/Th2 imbalance) also included to provide foundational context.③Research on the mechanisms, treatment strategies, or therapeutic effects of Traditional Chinese and Western medicine in AR . ① Abstracts, conference proceedings, opinion pieces, or non-peer-reviewed articles. ② Studies with low methodological quality (e.g., lacking control groups). ③ Irrelevant studies or those focusing on unrelated diseases.All plant names have been verified against The World Flora Online (http://www.worldfloraonline.org, accessed February 25, 2026) to ensure compliance with current taxonomic standards. A PRISMA flowchart documenting the literature screening process has been provided in the Supplementary Materials (Figure S1). The pathogenesis of AR involves Th2 cell polarization, impairment of the mucosal epithelial barrier, dysbiosis of the microbiota, and neuro-immune interactions. Conventional treatments are often associated with limitations, including adverse effects and high costs. TCM has been shown to ameliorate AR symptoms through mechanisms such as regulating transcription factors including NF-κB and GATA3, restoring epithelial tight junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1 and occludin), and modulating gut microbiota composition, including increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Clinical studies have provided preliminary evidence for the safety and efficacy of TCM, both as monotherapy and in combination with Western medicine, for the management of AR.However, most mechanistic insights are derived from animal models, and direct translational evidence to human applications remains limited. Notably, a randomized controlled trial (n = 60) reported that nasal lavage with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (licorice) significantly improved SNOT-22 scores (from 27.9 ± 15.5 to 13.2 ± 9.6, p < 0.001) and reduced nasal airway resistance (p < 0.001), with effects superior to those of corticosteroid or saline lavage. TCM demonstrates preclinical potential in the treatment of AR, which is characterized by multifactorial etiology, through holistic and multi-target regulatory mechanisms. Further validation in human studies is needed. Future research should prioritize large-scale, multi-center clinical trials and leverage advanced biotechnological approaches to facilitate the standardization and global acceptance of TCM in allergy management.
Infectious diseases remain a major global public health challenge. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) embodies the medical wisdom of the Chinese nation, developed through thousands of years of practice in combating epidemics and infections. Guided by its unique theoretical system, centered on "Fuzheng Quxie" (Reinforcing Healthy qi and eliminating pathogenic factors, ), TCM approaches health and disease from a holistic and dialectical perspective, which differs fundamentally from conventional Western medicine. Its application reflects distinct ethnic medical characteristics rooted in Chinese philosophy and cosmology, and refined through long-term clinical observation. A growing body of evidence suggests that specific Chinese herbal medicines, traditional Chinese medicinal formulas and their active components exhibit various immunomodulatory properties. Nevertheless, a systematic analysis that considers these effects in the context of both traditional Chinese theory and modern immunology is still required. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the immunomodulatory effects of specific Chinese herbal medicines, traditional Chinese medicinal formulas and their active components on infectious diseases. It seeks to bridge the underlying theory of these medicines with modern immunology and to evaluate their potential as therapeutic agents and vaccine adjuvants. A systematic literature search was conducted in academic databases, including PubMed and CNKI, to identify relevant studies published in English and Chinese. Articles were selected based on their focus on TCM formulations or natural products used in infectious disease models, with an emphasis on immune-related outcomes. Preclinical and emerging clinical evidence suggests that many Chinese herbal medicines, traditional Chinese medicinal formulas and their active components exert multifaceted immunomodulatory effects by regulating key immune pathways and molecular targets, thereby maintaining the body's immune homeostasis and demonstrating promising, yet still largely exploratory, potential for clinical translation. In terms of innate immunity, some TCM formulas can inhibit signaling pathways such as NF-κB/MAPK, reducing the excessive release of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and TNF-α, thereby alleviating infection-induced cytokine storms. At the same time, some TCM and their active components can modulate the balance of macrophage M1/M2 polarization, synergistically promoting pathogen clearance and tissue repair. Furthermore, specific TCM helps restore the balance between Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg, mitigating excessive inflammation or immune dysregulation during infection. In adaptive immunity, specific TCM formulas and active ingredients can upregulate the expression of MHC-II and co-stimulatory molecules such as CD80/86 on dendritic cells, enhancing antigen-presentation efficiency and thereby facilitating pathogen elimination. Some TCM formulas can also increase the CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio, promote the secretion of cytokines such as IL-2 and IFN-γ, and improve T-cell function by modulating immune checkpoint pathways such as PD-1/PD-L1. Meanwhile, specific TCM formulas stimulate B-lymphocyte proliferation and antibody class switching, promoting the production of IgM, IgA, and IgG and thereby enhancing humoral immune responses. Notably, some TCM formulations appear to exhibit bidirectional immunomodulatory properties. These properties suppress excessive inflammatory responses during infection while preserving certain aspects of adaptive immune function. This mechanism may contribute to the therapeutic effects of TCM in combating infections. Some TCM formulas and active ingredients also contribute to post-infection immune reconstruction and can act as a vaccine adjuvant to enhance immunogenicity. Guided by the TCM theory of "Fuzheng Quxie", the immunomodulatory role of TCM and its formulations in infection provide new perspectives and strategies for the clinical prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, holding important scientific exploration value and practical application prospects. The multidimensional immunomodulatory effects of TCM are one of the key mechanisms that make it effective against infections. This review helps clarify the multiple immunomodulatory mechanisms of some TCM formulas and their active components in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, and discusses its potential as a source of novel strategies for addressing major challenges such as antibiotic resistance and emerging infectious diseases.
Yueju pill (YJ), a classical Chinese medicine formula first documented in 'Danxixinfa by Zhu Danxi for treating "six stagnations" (Liu Yu: qi, blood, phlegm, fire, dampness, and food), has been clinically prescribed for mood disorders characterized by qi stagnation and depression for centuries. Despite its historical application for relieving emotional constraint (Yujie) and treating depressive disorders, the rapid antidepressant mechanism and molecular targets of YJ remain incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the rapid antidepressant-like effects of YJ and uncover the underlying mechanism involving hippocampal GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1r) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) signaling. The chemical stability of YJ was evaluated by quantifying active constituents. A chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model was employed to assess rapid antidepressant effects of YJ through acute administration using behavioral paradigms including novelty-suppressed feeding (NSF), tail suspension (TST), forced swim (FST), and sucrose preference tests (SPT). Hippocampal transcriptome sequencing was performed 30 min post-treatment to identify key targets. Protein and gene expressions were validated by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and quantitative PCR. Pharmacological interventions using exendin (9-39) (GLP-1r antagonist) and PACAP6-38 (PACAP antagonist) were conducted to establish signaling hierarchies. Additionally, HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells were utilized to examine direct effects on synaptic proteins. Four active constituents (shanzhiside methylester, geniposide, ferulic acid, and gentiobioside) were identified in YJ with stable and reproducible concentrations. Acute administration of YJ (2 g/kg, as the final extract) rapidly ameliorated depressive-like behaviors in CUMS mice, with effects comparable to ketamine. Hippocampal transcriptome sequencing identified 461 differentially expressed genes following YJ treatment, with GLP-1r and Adcyap1 (PACAP) notably upregulated compared to the CUMS group. Western blot, immunofluorescence and PCR confirmed that YJ elevated protein and gene expression of GLP-1r and PACAP in the dentate gyrus within 30 min. Pharmacological blockade of GLP-1r with exendin9-39 abolished YJ's rapid antidepressant effects and prevented YJ-induced PACAP upregulation. Conversely, intra-dentate gyrus injection of PACAP6-38 blocked YJ's behavioral effects without affecting GLP-1 expression, indicating that PACAP acts downstream of GLP-1. In HT22 cells, YJ dose-dependently upregulated GLP-1r and PACAP, while also improving synaptic protein expression (pCaMKII, synapsin-1, PSD95, and BDNF). These findings demonstrate that YJ produces rapid antidepressant effects through activation of hippocampal GLP-1r-dependent PACAP signaling, providing scientific evidence for the traditional "resolving depression" (Jieyu) function of this classical formula and identifying a novel polyherbal strategy for rapid-acting antidepressant therapy.
Hydatidosis is an endemic, widely distributed anthropozoonosis that involves the liver, lungs, and other organs. We report two cases of large renal hydatid cysts. Diagnosis was suspected based on radiological examinations. The patients were given albendazole tablets 400 mg twice per day (one month before and one month after surgery), with monitoring of blood count and liver enzymes. During follow-up assessment for renal hydatid cysts, the possibility of recurrence must be kept in mind. These cysts can completely destroy the kidney.
The stamens of Crocus sativus L., often discarded as floral waste, are rich in flavonoids and phenolics. This study investigated their toxicological safety, antigenotoxic potential, and molecular mechanisms of protection against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced genotoxicity. Hydroethanolic and hydromethanolic extracts were prepared, and acute oral toxicity was assessed in mice following the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline 423. Genotoxicity and its amelioration were evaluated in rat and mouse leukocytes by employing the alkaline comet assay. Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase activity, as well as malondialdehyde and glutathione levels, in hepatic and renal tissues were quantified. In parallel, nine major metabolites were identified in the extracts and were molecularly docked with key enzymes involved in CP bioactivation (CYP2B6), aldehyde detoxification (ALDH1A1), DNA repair (OGG1), and oxidative stress regulation (Keap1-Kelch domain; Protein Data Bank ID: 7K2A). The extracts were non-toxic up to 4,000 mg/kg and did not exhibit any genotoxicity. Pre-treatment with extracts (200 mg/kg body weight) significantly attenuated CP-induced DNA damage and restored antioxidant enzyme levels. Docking results supported these observations: rutin demonstrated a high affinity for CYP2B6 (-11.2 kcal/mol) and favorable binding to 7K2A (-9.7 kcal/mol); catechin gallate bound tightly to ALDH1A1 (-10.0 kcal/mol) and OGG1 (-9.2 kcal/mol). These findings suggest reduced CP activation, but enhanced detoxification and DNA repair. In conclusion, the extracts of C. sativus stamens are safe and possess robust antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties, confirmed by molecular docking. These findings highlight their potential as natural protective agents against chemotherapy-induced genotoxicity.
The dark glossy green leafy variety of Lasianthera africana P. Beauv. is mostly utilized for its medicinal value and less frequently as vegetable in soup because of its bitter taste. The ethanol and hot aqueous extracts of this dark leafy variety are employed in ethnomedicine for the treatment of stomach ache, pains, inflammatory disorder, among others, but limited studies on chemical and biological properties of this variety are reported in the literature. The phytochemical composition, the in vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethanol and hot aqueous extracts of the dark glossy leafy variety of L. africana were determined in this study. The chemical compositions of both extracts were characterized by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (UHPLC-HR-ESI-MS). The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the extracts were assessed in mice models after the determination of median lethal dose of the extracts. The UHPLC-HR-ESI-MS analyses revealed the presence of terpenoids and phenols, including hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoids. The two extracts shared almost all components, mainly quinic acid derivatives, being caffeoylquinic acids the most abundant in both extracts. The median lethal doses (LD50) of the ethanol and aqueous extracts were 4740 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg b.w., respectively. The extracts demonstrated good anti-inflammatory effects (45-96% reduction of inflammation) in the xylene-induced oedema in mice and analgesic activities (10.79-24.5 s latent time of pain) in the thermal-induced writhing in mice. The inflammatory and analgesic activities of these polar leaves extracts supported the ethnomedicinal value of the dark glossy green leafy variety of L. africana. The UHPLC-HR-ESI-MS analysis and anti-inflammatory properties of the leaves extracts of L. africana are reported for the first time.
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Mudan granules are Chinese patented medicines approved by the National Medical Product Administration, used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) with Qi deficiency and collateral obstruction syndrome. However, placebo-controlled studies definitively establishing efficacy and safety are lacking. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Mudan granules as an adjunct treatment for DPN with qi deficiency and collateral obstruction syndrome. This multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial recruited patients from 13 clinical centers in mainland China. 400 participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the Mudan (Mudan granules + mecobalamin) or control group (placebo + mecobalamin), and were reassessed after the 24-week intervention. The primary outcome was the Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score (MDNS). The complete analysis set comprised 357 participants. The mean baseline MDNS of the Mudan and control groups were 9.69 and 9.43, respectively. The mean change in MDNS from baseline to week 24 was -4.80 in the Mudan and -2.66 in the control group. Using a covariate-adjusted analysis of covariance model, the least squares mean for the Mudan and control groups were -4.74 (-5.33 to -4.15) and -2.72 (-3.33 to -2.11), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups. After 24 weeks of follow-up, the Mudan group showed a significant improvement in MDNS compared to the control group. These findings suggest that Mudan granules may improve the clinical symptoms of DPN. Given this, Mudan granules may be helpful in the management of DPN.
Hypertensive Nephropathy (HN) is a severe complication of hypertension characterized by progressive renal fibrosis, which current treatments fail to halt. Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJDD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) renowned for its "heat-clearing, detoxifying" and anti-inflammatory properties, is widely used against hypertension and associated target organ damage. Thus, its potential therapeutic mechanisms against HN warrant in-depth investigation. This study was designed to investigate the renoprotective effects of HLJDD on HN and to determine whether its mechanism is mediated through the modulation of the AGEs-RAGE/MAPK/AP-1 signaling axis. UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS was employed to characterize the prototype components in the bloodstream derived from HLJDD-containing serum. Key genes associated with HN were screened from the GSE182517 dataset using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Subsequently, an integrative "component-target-pathway" network was constructed. In vivo, an HN mouse model was established via continuous subcutaneous infusion of Angiotensin II (Ang II; 490 ng/kg/min) for 4 weeks. HLJDD was administered at low, medium, and high doses (2, 4, and 8 g/kg/day). Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by blood pressure monitoring, renal function biochemical indices (Scr, BUN, and UA), and histopathological assessments (HE, Masson, and PAS staining). To establish causal evidence, an in vitro model of Ang II-stimulated HK-2 cells was utilized, with the RAGE antagonist FPS-ZM1 employed to confirm the target-pathway association. The core signaling axis was validated using ELISA, Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence. Twenty-one prototype components-primarily alkaloids, flavonoids, and iridoids-were identified in HLJDD-containing serum. Integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis indicated that these bioactive components primarily target key molecular nodes, such as MAPK3 (ERK1), JUN, and TGF-β1. In vivo results demonstrated that HLJDD significantly reduced blood pressure and improved renal function in a dose-dependent manner, while effectively attenuating inflammatory infiltration and renal fibrosis. Mechanistically, HLJDD reduced the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and suppressed the expression of their receptor (RAGE). This reduction subsequently inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2, blocked the nuclear translocation and activation of the transcription factor AP-1 (c-Jun/c-Fos), and ultimately downregulated pro-fibrotic markers, including TGF-β1 and α-SMA. Notably, in vitro results revealed that HLJDD-containing serum (10%) markedly suppressed Ang II-induced inflammation and MAPK/AP-1 activation in HK-2 cells, exhibiting effects consistent with those of the RAGE antagonist FPS-ZM1. HLJDD exerts significant antihypertensive and renoprotective effects in HN mice. The mechanism involves the suppression of renal inflammation and fibrosis, primarily by inhibiting the AGEs-RAGE/MAPK/AP-1 signaling axis, as substantiated by both in vivo findings and in vitro pathway antagonism. These findings provide a scientific basis for the application of HLJDD in treating hypertension and its renal complications.
The Tuihong Formula (THF) has been used in traditional Chinese folk medicine as a topical herbal preparation for the treatment of cutaneous disorders, and its therapeutic efficacy is well established. Although THF has shown promising clinical efficacy in atopic dermatitis (AD), but its pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore THF's potential mechanisms in AD and provide experimental evidence for its treatment. An AD-like skin inflammation model was established in mice using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). After successful modeling, THF was applied topically. Daily body weight, skin lesion scores and skin thickness were recorded. Stain the skin tissue samples with (H&E) and toluidine blue, observe the changes in their microstructure, and count the number of mast cells.. Laser speckle imaging evaluated skin perfusion. A comprehensive assessment included skin barrier function (TEWL, occludin, AQP3, TSLP, TRPV1), spleen index, Th1/Th2 ratio, serum IgE, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-1β), using non-invasive skin analyzers, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and Western blot. To evaluate potential corticosteroid-like side effects, THF and various corticosteroids were applied long-term to normal mice, with monitoring of skin condition, body weight, lesion scores and skin thickness. Skin and major organs were collected for analysis. THF effectively improved AD-like lesions in mice. It reduced epidermal thickness and decreased mast cell and degranulated mast cell numbers. Serum IgE, IL-4, and TNF-α levels were lowered, while occludin expression increased. THF modulated the Th1/Th2 balance in the spleen, downregulating organ indices. RT-qPCR showed elevated IL-4 and IL-1β in AD-like lesions. Western blot confirmed that THF reduced phosphorylation of ASK1, p38, JNK, c-Jun, p65, IKK and IκBα. Safety evaluation indicated long-term THF use did not alter body weight, skin thickness, or structure and caused no organ damage, demonstrating high safety without corticosteroid-like adverse effects. THF alleviates DNCB-induced AD in mice by modulating inflammation, repairing the skin barrier, regulating Th1/Th2 balance, and inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, THF demonstrates a favorable safety profile for long-term topical application. This study supports further exploration of traditional Chinese medicine topical formulations for AD treatment.
Adenosine (Ado) is a key signaling molecule in the central nervous system. Under cellular stress, extracellular Ado accumulation drives neuroinflammation-induced neuronal damage and sleep dysfunction. Tianwang Buxin Decoction (TWBXD) demonstrates long-term therapeutic efficacy for insomnia. However, the related pharmacological pathways require further mechanistic studies. To elucidate the therapeutic effects of TWBXD against insomnia and its mechanisms in mitigating Ado-induced neuroinflammation. TWBXD components were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). An in vivo insomnia model was established by inducing adenosine A2A receptor (A2aR) overexpression in the basal forebrain. Sleep architecture was monitored via 24-h polysomnography, followed by analyses of histopathology, Ado levels, A2aR expression, inflammatory mediators, and AMPK/SIRT1 activity. In vitro, neuroinflammation was modeled in a neuron-astrocyte co-culture using A2aR-overexpressing plasmids. TWBXD-containing serum effects on cell viability, Ado dynamics, and inflammatory responses were assessed. Ado accumulation induced neuroinflammation and disrupted sleep. TWBXD exhibited optimal efficacy at 17.6 g/kg compared with other doses. It reversed Ado-mediated suppression of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) axis to improve sleep architecture, inhibiting the expression of downstream pro-inflammatory mediators such as nuclear factor-κB, interferon-γ, and interleukin-1β while promoting that of interleukin-10. In vitro experiments and molecular docking verified that TWBXD's neuroprotective effects against Ado overload are mediated by functional A2aR antagonism. Neuroinflammation in insomnia is promoted by Ado-driven suppression of the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway. TWBXD restores this axis to alleviate insomnia, representing a novel therapeutic strategy for managing neuroinflammation-related sleep disorders.
Amid the accelerating spread of antibiotic resistance, medicinal and aromatic plants stand out as powerful natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds, offering innovative prospects for next-generation antimicrobial therapies. To explore its therapeutic potential, this study evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Matricaria pubescens from Southeastern Morocco, supported by a thorough chemical profiling of its essential oils. The oils were obtained by steam distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results revealed two distinct chemotypes, with isochrysanthemic ethyl ester (32.7%) as the dominant compound in chemotype EO1 and α-ocimene (19.62%) as the major constituent in chemotype EO2. Antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assays, while antimicrobial activities were evaluated against bacteria, fungi, and yeasts using both disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Both oils exhibited notable antioxidant activities. Significant antimicrobial effects were observed, with Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus being the most sensitive strains, whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the highest resistance among all tested microorganisms, with the lowest MIC recorded for B. subtilis (0.612 mg/mL). These findings emphasize that M. pubescens could serve as a valuable source of biologically active compounds, particularly in the development of agents to combat microbial resistance, and further support its potential applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.