Agent In Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Articles

Identification of potential core genes in lung cancer and therapeutic traditional Chinese medicine compounds using bioinformatics analysis.

Lung cancer (LC) remains the leading cause of cancer-related death. We identified potential therapeutic targets and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds for LC treatment. GSE43346 and GSE18842 were derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed using The Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Protein-protein interactions were analyzed using STRING and Cytoscape software. Hub gene expression was validated using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and the Human Protein Atlas. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of hub genes in patients with LC. Therapeutic TCM compounds were screened using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, and DEGs were largely enriched in biological processes, including cell division and mitotic nuclear division, such as the cell cycle and p53 signaling pathways. Elevated expression of hub genes was observed in LC samples. Overexpression of CDC20, CCNB2, and TOP2A is an unfavorable prognostic factor for postprogressive survival in patients with LC. Paclitaxel, quercetin, and rotenone have been identified as active substances in TCM. CDC20, CCNB2, and TOP2A are novel hub genes associated with LC. Paclitaxel, quercetin, and rotenone can be used as therapeutic agents in TCM.

Extensive targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the identification of major metabolites, antioxidants, and disease-resistant active pharmaceutical components in Camellia tuberculata (Camellia L.) seeds

Sect. tuberculata plant belongs to the Camellia genus and is named for the “tuberculiform protuberance on the surface of the ovary and fruit”. It is a species of great ornamental value and potential medicinal value. However, little has been reported on the metabolites of C. tuberculata seeds. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the metabolites of C. tuberculata seeds based on UPLC/ESI-Q TRAP-MS/MS with extensively targeted metabolomics. A total of 1611 metabolites were identified, including 107 alkaloids, 276 amino acids and derivatives, 283 flavonoids, 86 lignans and coumarins, 181 lipids, 68 nucleotides and derivatives, 101 organic acids, 190 phenolic acids, 10 quinones, 4 steroids, 17 tannins, 111 terpenoids, and 177 other metabolites. We compared the different metabolites in seeds between HKH, ZM, ZY, and LY. The 1311 identified different metabolites were classified into three categories. Sixty-three overlapping significant different metabolites were found, of which lignans and coumarins accounted for the largest proportion. The differentially accumulated metabolites were enriched in different metabolic pathways between HKH vs. LY, HKH vs. ZM, HKH vs. ZY, LY vs. ZY, ZM vs. LY and ZM vs. ZY, with the most abundant metabolic pathways being 4, 2, 4, 7, 7 and 5, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, among the top 20 metabolites in each subgroup comparison in terms of difference multiplicity 7, 8 and 13. ZM and ZY had the highest phenolic acid content. Ninety-six disease-resistant metabolites and 48 major traditional Chinese medicine agents were identified based on seven diseases. The results of this study will not only lead to a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the metabolic properties of C. tuberculata seeds, but also provide a scientific basis for the excavation and further development of its medicinal value.

Exploiting Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery: Advancing the Anti-Cancer Effects of Autophagy-Modulating Compounds in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Cancer continues to be a prominent issue in the field of medicine, as demonstrated by recent studies emphasizing the significant role of autophagy in the development of cancer. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a variety of anti-tumor agents capable of regulating autophagy. However, the clinical application of autophagy-modulating compounds derived from TCM is impeded by their restricted water solubility and bioavailability. To overcome this challenge, the utilization of nanotechnology has been suggested as a potential solution. Nonetheless, the current body of literature on nanoparticles delivering TCM-derived autophagy-modulating anti-tumor compounds for cancer treatment is limited, lacking comprehensive summaries and detailed descriptions. Up to November 2023, a comprehensive research study was conducted to gather relevant data using a variety of databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Web of Science, and CNKI. The keywords utilized in this investigation included "autophagy", "nanoparticles", "traditional Chinese medicine" and "anticancer". This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of nanotechnology in overcoming delivery challenges and enhancing the anti-cancer properties of autophagy-modulating compounds in TCM. The evaluation is based on a synthesis of different classes of autophagy-modulating compounds in TCM, their mechanisms of action in cancer treatment, and their potential benefits as reported in various scholarly sources. The findings indicate that nanotechnology shows potential in enhancing the availability of autophagy-modulating agents in TCM, thereby opening up a plethora of potential therapeutic avenues. Nanotechnology has the potential to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of autophagy-modulating compounds in traditional TCM, through regulation of autophagy.

Investigation of anti-depression effects and potential mechanisms of the ethyl acetate extract of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. through the integration of in vivo experiments, LC-MS/MS chemical analysis, and a systems biology approach

Background:Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. has long been used as an anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-aging agent in traditional Chinese medicine in Asia. Its ethyl acetate extract (ECS) has been identified as the main antioxidant component with neuroprotective and estrogen-like effects. However, the potential of ECS in treating depression has not been explored yet.Methods: We identified the primary metabolites in ECS in this study using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Network analysis was used to find the potential targets and pathways associated with the anti-neuroinflammatory depression action of the ECS. In addition, we established a corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression mouse model to assess ECS’s antidepressant effects by monitoring various behavioral changes (e.g., sucrose preference, forced swimming, tail suspension, and open field tests) and biochemical indices of the hippocampus, and validating the network analysis results. Significant pathways underwent verification through western blotting based on network analysis prediction.Results: Our study demonstrates that ECS possesses significant antidepressant activity. The LC-MS/MS analysis of ECS identified 30 main metabolites, including phloridzin, phlorizin, ursolic acid, and naringenin, as well as other flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. These metabolites were found to be associated with 64 candidate target proteins related to neuroinflammatory depression from the database, and ten hub proteins were identified through filtration: CXCL8, ICAM1, NOS2, SELP, TNF, IL6, APP, ACHE, MAOA and ADA. Functional enrichment analyses of the candidate targets revealed their primary roles in regulating cytokine production, inflammatory response, cytokine activity, and tumor necrosis factor receptor binding. In vivo, ECS improved hippocampal neuroinflammation in the mouse model. Specifically, ECS reduced the expression of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus, inhibited M1 microglial cell polarization, and alleviated depression through the regulation of the NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammation pathway.Conclusion: Based on experimental and network analysis, this study revealed for the first time that ECS exerted antidepression effect via anti-neuroinflammation. Our research provides valuable information on the use of ECS as an alternative therapeutic approach for depression.

Polygonum perfoliatum L. ethanol extract ameliorates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin inflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevancePolygonum perfoliatum L. (PP) is classified as a heat-clearing and detoxifying agent in traditional Chinese medicine, and is believed to possess therapeutic properties for treating eczema, furuncles, and venomous snake bites. Previous studies have demonstrated that PP extract exhibits multiple bioactivities, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidation, and antiviral properties. However, no existing studies have evaluated the effects of PP on animal models of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin symptoms, which are closely associated with traditional ethnic usage. Aim of the studyIn present study, therefore, we aimed to explore the potential anti-atopic effect of Polygonum perfoliatum L. ethanol extract (PPE) in 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced dermatitis-like skin lesions. Materials and methodsFor reaching this aim, DNCB-induced mice with AD-like skin inflammation were subjected to topical administration of PPE gels for a period of 21 days, and subsequently, the biological impacts of PPE were evaluated. ResultsPPE gels effectively mitigated AD-like skin symptoms induced by DNCB in mice, as demonstrated by a marked reduction in epidermal thickness and dermatitis severity. Moreover, PPE significantly decreased the production of various cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IgE, in addition to suppressed the production of key inflammation-related enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) and decreased the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB in AD-like skin samples. Furthermore, PPE treatment inhibited the abnormally elevated CD4+/CD8+ ratio in DNCB-induced AD mice. The results of the skin irritation test revealed that PPE exhibited no adverse toxicity in mice at dose of 10 mg/day. ConclusionsPPE exhibits potential as a safe therapeutic agent for atopic dermatitis by efficiently mitigating DNCB-induced atopic symptoms and diminishing inflammation, and does not carry the risk of over-immunosuppression or treatment-associated adverse effects.

Effects of Tetrandrine on the Apoptosis of Cisplatin-resistant Oral Cancer Cells

Background Cisplatin, the first-line drug for chemotherapy, often has limited treatment efficacy because of resistance and cancer recurrence mechanisms. Tetrandrine is a unique secondary metabolite of Stephania tetrandra. As a traditional Chinese medicine agent, tetrandrine has been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiangiogenesis activities and has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and angiogenesis of colorectal, lung, and breast cancer cells; potential mechanisms underlying its activities include the promotion of tumor cell apoptosis, promotion of cell cycle arrest, and intensification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Objectives The main treatments for oral cancer are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy; these treatments are often used in combination. Cancer cells easily develop cisplatin resistance; therefore, we investigated tetrandrine’s potential as a therapy for overcoming resistance to oral cancer drugs. Materials and Methods We used the cisplatin-resistant oral cancer CAR cell line (CAL27) as a research objected and applied inhibitor treatment to clarify the role of tetrandrine in cell death and mitochondrial dysfunction. Results Tetrandrine could effectively inhibit CAR cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, with a corresponding increase in ROS production in mitochondria. Moreover, tetrandrine increased caspase-9 and caspase-3 activity in CAR cells and induced apoptotic mRNA, caspase-3/-9, AIF, and Endo G overexpression. Our results indicate that tetrandrine induces apoptosis in CAR cells through a mitochondrial-dependent signaling pathway.

Morphology and mass spectrometry-based chemical profiling of peltate glandular trichomes on Mentha haplocalyx Briq leaves

Mentha haplocalyx Briq (M. haplocalyx) is a herbaceous plant that has long been used as a food, medicinal spice, and flavoring agent in traditional Chinese medicine. Its secondary metabolites, having high commercial values, are mainly produced in tiny specialized structures called glandular trichomes (GTs). The primary purpose of this study was to examine the morphology and metabolites of peltate GTs in M. haplocalyx.Peltate GTs possessed globular dome shapes and intense auto-fluorescence on the surfaces of M. haplocalyx leaves. Structure subsidence and cuticle rupture were found throughout the aging stage of peltate GTs. According to histochemical staining results, the secretion of peltate GTs contained anthraquinone, flavonoids, phenolic acid and terpenoids. In M. haplocalyx peltate GTs and leaf tissues without peltate glandular trichomes, ten and two volatile compounds were identified respectively. Peltate GTs contained 42 non-volatile chemicals with a variety of structural types, including 20 flavonoids, 17 phenolic acids,1 diterpene, 3 anthraquinone and 1 alkane. Meanwhile, 15 non-volatile compounds were discovered in leaf tissues without peltate glandular trichomes, and they were all included in the list of peltate GTs' 41 components. Therefore, Peltate GTs were shown to be the primary site of not just volatile compounds but also non-volatile chemicals in M. haplocalyx. This study provides an important theoretical basis and technical approach for clarifying the bio-active metabolite biosynthesis in M. haplocalyx.

Genotoxicity-Suppressing Effect of Sophora japonica L. Aqueous Extract

The dry flower buds of Sophora japonica L. are used as a hemostatic agent in traditional Chinese medicine. In the comet assay, aqueous extracts of S. japonica decreased and increased the tail length significantly in cultured human lymphoblastoid WTK1 cells exposed to UV in the absence and presence of DNA repair inhibitors, respectively. The extract did not affect the tail length in methyl methanesulfonate-exposed cells. In the present study, the aqueous extract of the flower buds of S. japonica was separated by repeated column chromatography, yielding four types of flavonoid glycosides. Among them, only rutin, similar to the extract, decreased and increased the tail length significantly in WTK1 cells exposed to UV in the absence and presence of DNA repair inhibitors hydroxyurea (10 mM) and cytosine-1-β-D-arabinofuranoside (1.8 mM), respectively. The genotoxicity-suppressing effect of rutin was further studied using the micronucleus test. Rutin significantly decreased the frequency of micronucleated binucleate cells in UV-exposed WTK1 cells but did not affect this frequency in UV-exposed XPL3KA (Xeroderma pigmentosum group C) cells. These results suggest that the anti-genotoxic potential of rutin is due to an enhanced incision step of global genome repair (GGR) sub-pathways in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Herein, we show that S. japonica exhibits heretofore unknown anti-genotoxic potential against UV by enhancing the incision of GGR sub-pathways in NER, and that its anti-genotoxic component is rutin.

Comparison of Various Solvent Extracts and Major Bioactive Components from Unsalt-Fried and Salt-Fried Rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides for Antioxidant, Anti-α-Glucosidase, and Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Activities.

The rhizome of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge (AA, family Liliaceae) is a famous and frequently used herbal drug in the traditional medicine of Northeast Asia, under vernacular name “zhimu”. A. asphodeloides has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-depressant, and anti-diabetic agent in traditional Chinese medicine. We examined the antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and anti-α-glucosidase activities of various solvent extracts and the main bioactive compounds from the rhizome of A. asphodeloides. Acetone extract exhibited comparatively high antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. A water extract exhibited relatively strong antioxidant activity by superoxide radical scavenging test. Furthermore, dichloromethane, chloroform, and n-hexane extracts showed significant anti-α-glucosidase activities. Finally, ethanol and dichloromethane extracts exhibited relatively strong AChE inhibitory activity. HPLC analysis was used to examine and compare various solvent extracts for their compositions of isolates. We isolated four major chemical constituents and analyzed their antioxidant, anti-α-glucosidase, and AChE inhibitory activities. The bioactivity assays showed that mangiferin displayed the most potential antioxidant activities via FRAP, ABTS, DPPH, and superoxide assays and also exhibited the most effective anti-AChE and anti-α-glucosidase activities among all the isolates. The present study suggests that A. asphodeloides and its active extracts and components are worth further investigation and might be expected to develop as a candidate for the treatment or prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases, AChE inhibition, and hyperglycemia.

Berberine ameliorates endothelial dysfunction in metabolic syndrome

Background and Aims: The metabolic syndrome is considered a chronic inflammatory state which augments endothelial dysfunction and leads to cardiovascular ischemic events and increase in mortality. It is characterized by a low nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, endothelial dysfunction together with hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress and insulin resistance and precede the early conditions involved in the genesis of macrovascular disorders. Berberine is a natural alkaloid found in rhizomes and roots of a variety of plants. Initially used as a detoxicating and anti-inflammatory agent in traditional Chinese medicine. The main aim of this work was to investigate the potential of berberine as a therapeutic approach to endothelial dysfunction in metabolic syndrome induced by high fat diet in non-obese Sprague-Dawley rats (SD).

Picroside II Improves Severe Acute Pancreatitis-Induced Hepatocellular Injury in Rats by Affecting JAK2/STAT3 Phosphorylation Signaling.

Picroside II is an important ingredient agent in Traditional Chinese medicine and hoped to reduce hepatocellular injury caused by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). An SAP-induced hepatocellular injury model was established in rats by using pentobarbital sodium. 27 rats were divided into 3 groups: the sham group (SG), model group (MG), and Picroside groups (PG). SAP-induced hepatocellular injury was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. We measured hepatocellular enzymes (amylase (AMY), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), oxidative stress factors (superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin- (IL-) 6, and IL-10), apoptotic factors (BAX and cleaved caspase 3), and inflammatory signaling (Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), p-JAK2, and p-STAT3) in hepatocellular tissues. The SAP-induced hepatocellular injury model was successfully established. Picroside II treatment repaired hepatocellular injury by reducing the activities of AMY, ALT, and AST; reducing the levels of MDA, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, p-JAK2, p-STAT3, BAX, and cleaved caspase 3; and increasing the levels of SOD and IL-10. Picroside II exerted protective function for the SAP-induced hepatocellular injury model. Picroside II improved SAP-induced hepatocellular injury and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by affecting JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation signaling.

The survival outcome of nasopharyngeal cancer patients with traditional Chinese medicine external use: A hospital-based study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceExternal-use traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) agents are widely used to relieve the adverse effects of radiation therapy in nasopharyngeal cancer patients. Aim of the studyOur study aimed to evaluate the influence of external-use TCM agents to relieve radiotherapy-related adverse effects on the efficacy of radiation therapy and the prognosis of nasopharyngeal cancer patients. Materials and methodsBy using the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD), we analyzed 1823 newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal cancer patients with radiotherapy-related adverse effects between 2001/01 and 2015/12. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox regression model to estimate the differences in effects on survival outcomes between two groups, TCM external users and non-TCM external users. ResultsWe found that TCM external users had significantly better 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates (log-rank test, p = 0.0377 and p = 0.034, respectively) than non-TCM external users. The 3-year and 5-year disease-free survival rates were not statistically significantly different between the groups. We also found a trend of improved 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates in TCM external users with advanced-stage disease, without statistical significance (log-rank test, p = 0.10 and p = 0.089, respectively). The subgroup analysis revealed lower risks of mortality in TCM external users among the nonhypertension, nonhyperlipidemia, nonischemic heart disease, noncirrhosis, and nonchronic kidney disease groups. ConclusionsOur study showed that TCM agents external use could significantly improve 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates in nasopharyngeal cancer patients with radiotherapy-related adverse effects.

ITRAQ-based quantitative proteomics and network pharmacology revealing hemostatic mechanism mediated by Zingiberis Rhizome Carbonisata in deficiency-cold and Hemorrhagic Syndrome rat models

Zingiberis Rhizome Carbonisata (ZRC) has been used as a hemostatic agent in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, network pharmacology method was used to predict the potential mechanism of ZRC on hemostasis, based on the structures of the main compounds. Then, iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis was used for verification of the candidate target proteins and pathways to illustrate the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the enriched pathways were validated by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that the hemostasis mechanism of ZRC may be related to Platelet activation, Rap1 signaling pathway and Complement and coagulation cascades. And 10 proteins (Fermt3, ACTB, Talin, αIIbβ3, Fga, Fgb, Fgg, FXIIIb, Kng and PLC-β were identified as the target DEPs) are considered as the key factors related to hemostatic efficacy of ZRC. Thus, integrated network pharmacology and quantitative proteomics technology were applied for the effective illuminating the molecular mechanisms of Chinese material medica.

Vitamin C protects early mouse embryos against juglone toxicity

Juglone, a naphthoquinone isolated from many species of the Juglandaceae (walnut) family, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries for its various pharmacological effects. Our previous research found its toxic effects on oocytes maturation. But we still know a little about its toxic effects on embryo development. Here, we used mouse embryo as a model to explore the effects of juglone on early mammalian embryo development. Exposure to juglone significantly decreased the development rate in early mouse embryos in vitro. Moreover, juglone exposure led to developmental arrest by disturbing mitochondrial function, producing abnormal epigenetic modifications, inducing high levels of oxidative stress and DNA damage, and increasing the rate of embryonic cell apoptosis. However, vitamin C (VC) ameliorated the toxic effects of juglone to a certain extent. Overall, juglone has a toxic effect on early embryo development through the generation of ROS and apoptosis. But VC was able to protect against these juglone-induced defects. These results not only give a new perspective on juglone’s pharmacological effects on early mammalian embryo development, but also provide ideas for the better application of this agent in traditional Chinese medicine.

Integrated artificial neural network analysis and functional cell based affinity mass spectrometry for screening a bifunctional activator of Ca2+ and β2AR in aconite

Arrhythmia, a common heart disease, is an abnormal frequency or rhythm of heartbeat caused by the origin or conduction obstacle of the heart. Aconite (Fuzi) has been regarded as an effective cardiotonic agent in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but it sometimes induces cardiac toxicity, such as arrhythmia, in the clinic. It is still a challenge to identify the active ingredients related to the therapeutic effect or toxicity in the application of aconite. To clarify which ingredient or derivative plays a key role of reducing toxicity and improving efficiency in the use of aconite, a serum pharmacology approach integrated with metabolomics and artificial neural network (ANN) analysis was used to in vivo screen Ca2+ and β2AR regulators from the extracts of Heishunpian (HSP), which a processed lateral root of aconite. In addition, β2AR transfected CHO and myocardium H9C2 functional cells-based affinity mass spectrometry (AMS) screening tests were carried out for evaluating the active ingredients in vitro. The results demonstrated that the monoester diterpenoid alkaloids (MDAs) represented by fuziline were the key bifunctional activators that could activate Ca2+ and β2AR simultaneously. The effective compatibility of the calcium antagonists could regulate the heart rhythm to alleviate arrhythmia while maintain their cardiotonic effect, which was induced by aconite. In this study, ANN analysis based on serum pharmacology combined with AMS screen, which utilized with functional cells presented a powerful analytical strategy to the discovery and evaluation of active ingredients from a complex system.

Cardiovascular Modulating Effects of Magnolol and Honokiol, Two Polyphenolic Compounds from Traditional Chinese Medicine-Magnolia Officinalis.

Honokiol and its isomer magnolol are poly-phenolic compounds isolated from the Magnolia officinalis that exert cardiovascular modulating effects via a variety of mechanisms. They are used as blood-quickening and stasis-dispelling agents in Traditional Chinese Medicine and confirmed to have therapeutic potential in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. This comprehensive review summarizes the current data regarding the cardioprotective mechanisms of those compounds and identifies areas for further research.

Saponin extract of Baihe - Zhimu Tang ameliorates depression in chronic mild stress rats

Abstract In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the prescription Baihe - Zhimu Tang has been using to treat depression for hundreds of years. However, its underlying mechanism is still unclear. Saponin compounds extracted from TCM have been reported to exert antidepressant-like effect. In present study, we investigated the efficacy and mechanism of Saponin extract from Baihe - Zhimu Tang (SBZT) in treating depression. Results confirmed that SBZT can act as an anti-depressant agent in a murine model of depression-like abnormality. SBZT demonstrated significant efficacy in ameliorating depression-like behaviors and the abnormal levels of pathological markers associated with depression. While, based on microarray analysis, we found the mechanisms were related to its inhibition activity on hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis hyperactivation, improvement ability in synthesis and transport processes of neurotransmitters and neuroprotection upon inflammation-related neuronal apoptosis. In conclusion, SBZT demonstrated significant efficacy in treating depression, suggesting its clinical potential as an anti-depressant TCM agent.

A Comprehensive Review of the Genus Pyrola Herbs in Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities.

Pyrola (Pyrolaceae), also known as Luxiancao/in China, was recorded in Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic listed in top grade. Pyrola herbs were used as medicinal plants for a long history with wide-ranging activities such as nourishing kidney-yang, strengthening muscles and bones, activating blood, stopping bleeding, dispelling rheumatism, and eliminating dampness. Currently, the research on Pyrola plants is increasing year by year but there is no comprehensive and detailed review concerning genus Pyrola. This review aims to sum up the updated and comprehensive information about botany and traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and safety by analyzing the information available on Pyrola plants via internationally accepted scientific databases. Collectively, more than 100 compounds have been isolated from the Pyrola plants. Furthermore, a total of 33 prescriptions containing Pyrola plants are compiled in this review. Pyrola plants are used as indispensable agents in traditional Chinese medicine due to its activities of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipidlowering, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, proliferation of osteoblasts promoting, antineoplastic and etc. Further work should be developed on the elucidation of structure-function relationship, understanding of multi-target pharmacological effects, as well as developing its application both in clinical usage and functional food for research and development of Pyrola plants.

Triptolide Inhibits Neuronal Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Pentylenetetrazol-Induced-Epilepsy via Upregulation of miR-187 Expression

Epilepsy is one of the most common diseases of the nervous system. Neuronal apoptosis is closely involved in the development and progression of epilepsy. Triptolide is a widely used immunosuppressive agent in traditional Chinese medicine. However, a neuroprotective role of triptolide in epilepsy has been suggested but not fully explored. To this end, using pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in rats as a model for epilepsy, we explored the effect of triptolide on seizure and its associated mechanisms. The results showed that triptolide significantly decreased the seizure severity and inhibited the apoptosis of neurons, accompanied by an improvement in the expression of miR-187 in the hippocampus region in pentylenetetrazol-treated rats. The up-regulation of miR-187 expression could inhibit neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus. Finally, the results showed that miR-187 antagomir significantly reversed the protective effects of triptolide in pentylenetetrazol-treated rats. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that triptolide inhibits neuronal apoptosis, at least partially, through up-regulating miR-187.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Associated with Female Infertility in Taiwan: A Population‐Based Case‐Control Study

Background Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of female infertility remains ambiguous. The aim of the present case-control study was to examine the association between TCM treatment and successful pregnancy among infertile women. Methods This population-based case-control study included the data from 2,627 infertile women with successful pregnancy and 2,627 infertile women without successful pregnancy using datasets from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 of the National Health Insurance Research Database during 2000–2010. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relationship between TCM use and successful pregnancy in infertility women were estimated using logistic regression. Results Patients who received TCM treatment significantly increased in successful pregnancy (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.31–1.66), compared with patients without TCM. Si-Wu-Tang (OR = 4.25; 95% CI = 2.18, 8.30), Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan (OR = 3.27; 95% CI = 2.13, 5.02), and Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (OR = 3.17; 95% CI = 2.35, 4.28) were the TCM agents that were most strongly associated with successful pregnancy among infertile women. Conclusions Our study findings indicate that TCM is associated with higher likelihood of successful pregnancy in infertile women, which is worthy of further investigation by randomized control trial.