Ancient Chinese Medical Books Research Articles

Investigating the potential mechanism and therapeutic effects of SLXG for cholesterol gallstone treatment

BackgroundShugan Lidan Xiaoshi Granules (SLXG) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation frequently employed to prevent and treat cholesterol gallstones. SLXG is formulated based on the Chaihu Shugan Formula found in an ancient Chinese medical book, a traditional remedy in China for centuries, and has demonstrated successful treatment of numerous patients with gallbladder stones. PurposeThis research sought to clarify the therapeutic impact and molecular mechanisms of SLXG and its active components in the treatment of cholesterol gallbladder stones. MethodsThe study employed network pharmacology, UPLC-HRMS transcriptome sequencing, animal model experiments, molecular docking, and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) to explore the molecular mechanisms of SLXG and its relationship with Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) and potential targets. Furthermore, PPI network analysis, along with GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, were performed to explore the potential mechanisms through which SLXG and its active ingredient, naringenin, prevent and treat cholesterol gallstones. The mechanism of action was further elucidated using an animal model for gallbladder stone formation. ResultsThe study employed a network pharmacology and UPLC-HRMS to investigate the active compounds of SLXG for the treatment of cholesterol gallbladder stones, and subsequently constructed a network of therapeutic targets of SLXG. The results from gene enrichment analyses indicated that SLXG targets the metabolic pathway of bile secretion and the cholesterol metabolism pathway in addressing cholesterol gallbladder stones. The molecular docking results confirmed the interaction between the genes enriched in the pathways and the active ingredients in SLXG. Transcriptome sequencing results demonstrated that SLXG exerts its therapeutic effect on gallstones by regulating cholesterol and bile acid synthesis and metabolism. Furthermore, animal model experiments and SPR provided evidence that SLXG and its active ingredient, naringenin, exert therapeutic effects on cholesterol gallbladder stones by targeting the genes HMGCR, SOAT2, and UGT1A1, and influencing substances associated with cholesterol synthesis and metabolism. ConclusionsUsing systematic network pharmacology methods combined with in vivo validation experiments, we uncovered the fundamental pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of SLXG and its active ingredient, naringenin, in the treatment of cholesterol gallstones. This research underscores the valuable role that traditional remedies can play in addressing medical challenges and suggests a promising direction for further exploration of natural treatments for the disease.

Changes in Rehmanniae Radix processing and their impact on ovarian hypofunction: potential mechanisms of action.

This study evaluates the research developments concerning Rehmanniae Radix in ovarian hypofunction diseases. It explores the processing methods of Rehmanniae Radix, the variations in its compounds before and after processing, the mechanism of Rehmanniae Radix and its active compounds in improving ovarian function, and the advancements in clinical applications of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound that include Rehmanniae Radix. Comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database, National Science and Technology Library, the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Pubmed, and the Web of Science Database. The search utilized the following Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords: "Rehmanniae Radix," "Drying Rehmannia Root," "Rehmannia glutinosa," "Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata," "Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing," "Pharmacological Effects," "Ovarian Aging," "Diminished ovarian reserve," "Premature ovarian insufficiency," "Premature Ovarian Failure," "Ovarian hypofunction diseases". The ancient Chinese medical books document various processing techniques for Rehmanniae Radix. Contemporary research has identified changes in its compounds processing and the resultant diverse therapeutic effects. When processed into Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, it is noted for its ability to invigorate the kidney. TCM compound containing Rehmanniae Radix is frequently used to treat ovarian hypofunction diseases, demonstrating significant clinical effectiveness. The key changes in its compounds processing include cyclic dilute ether terpene glycosides, phenylethanol glycosides, sugars, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Its pharmacological action is primarily linked to the improvement of granulosa cell proliferation, antioxidative and anti-aging properties, and modulation of the immune and inflammatory microenvironment. Furthermore, Rehmanniae Radix also offers therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, osteoporosis and cognitive dysfunction caused by low estrogen levels. Thereby Rehmanniae Radix mitigates both the short-term and long-term health risks associated with ovarian hypofunction diseases. Processed Rehmanniae Radix has shown potential to improve ovarian function, and its compound prescriptions have a definite effect on ovarian dysfunction diseases. Therefore Rehmanniae Radix was garnering interest for both basic and clinical research, with promising application prospects as a future therapeutic agent for ovarian hypofunction diseases. However, further studies on its toxicology and the design of standardized clinical trials are necessary to fully establish its efficacy and safety.

Protective Effects of Pear Extract on Skin from In Vitro and In Vivo UVA-Induced Damage.

The ancient Chinese medical book "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that pears can relieve symptoms of respiratory-related diseases. Previous research has shown that pear Pyrus Pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-photoaging protective effects of Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai seed components have not been studied. Ultraviolet light (UV) causes skin inflammation, damages the skin barrier, and is an important cause of skin photoaging. Therefore, UV light with a wavelength of 365 nm was used to irradiate HaCaT and mice. Western blot, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescence imaging system were used to explore its anti-UVA mechanism. Dialysis membrane and nuclear magnetic resonance were used for the chemical constituent analysis of pear seed water extract (PSWE). We found that PSWE can significantly reduce UVA-induced skin cell death and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and can inhibit the mRNA expression of UVA-induced cytokines (including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). In addition, PSWE can also reduce the generation of oxidative stress within skin cells. In vivo experimental studies found that PSWE pretreatment effectively reduced transepidermal water loss, inflammation, redness, and dryness in hairless mice. The molecular weight of the active part of pear water extract is approximately 384. Based on the above results, we first found that pear seeds can effectively inhibit oxidative stress and damage caused by UVA. It is a natural extract with antioxidant properties and anti-aging activity that protects skin cells and strengthens the skin barrier.

Ethnobotanical Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Moroccan Ephedra Species.

Ephedra species are among the most popular herbs used in traditional medicine for a long time. The ancient Chinese medical book "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" refers to the classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription Ge Gen decoction, which consists of seven herbs, including an Ephedra species. Ephedra species are utilized all over the world to treat symptoms of the common cold and coughs, and to combat major human diseases, such as asthma, cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and digestive disorders, and microbial infections. This study aimed at identifying specific Ephedra species used traditionally in Morocco for therapeutic purposes. The plant parts, their preparation process, and the treated pathologies were identified and analyzed. The results revealed five ethnobotanically important species of Ephedra: Ephedra alata Decne, Ephedra altissima Desf., Ephedra distachya L., Ephedra fragilis Desf., and Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo. These species are used traditionally in Morocco for treating people with diabetes, cancer, rheumatism, cold and asthma, hypertension, influenza virus infection, and respiratory ailments. In addition, they are occasionally used as calefacient agents, to regulate weight, or for capillary care. Few studies have underlined the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of some of these Moroccan Ephedra species, but little information is available regarding the natural products at the origin of the bioactivities. Further phytochemical investigations and clinical data are encouraged to better support the use of these plants.

Textual research on Bungarus Parvus

Bungarus Parvus, a precious animal Chinese medicinal material used in clinical practice, is believed to be first recorded in Ying Pian Xin Can published in 1936. This study was carried out to analyze the names, geographical distribution, morphological characteristics, ecological habits, poisonousness, and medicinal parts by consulting ancient Chinese medical books and local chronicles, Chinese Pharmacopeia, different processing standards of trditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces, and modern literatures. The results showed that the earliest medicinal record of Bungarus Parvus was traced to 1894. In 1930, this medicinal material was used in the formulation of Annao Pills. The original animal, Bungarus multicinctus, was recorded by the name of "Bojijia" in 1521. The morphological characteristics, ecological habits, and poisonousness of the original animal are the same in ancient and modern records. The geographical distribution is similar between the ancient records and modern documents such as China Medicinal Animal Fauna. The dried body of young B. multicinctus is used as Bungarus Parvus, which lack detailed references. As a matter of fact, it is still inconclusive whether there are differences between young snakes and adult snakes in terms of active ingredients, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications. This study clarified the medicinal history and present situation of Bungarus Parvus. On the basis of the results, it is suggested that systematic comparison on young and adult B. multicinctus should be carried out to provide references for revising the medicinal parts of B. multicinctus.

Interpretation of the anti-influenza active ingredients and potential mechanisms of Ge Gen Decoction based on spectrum-effect relationships and network analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGe Gen Decoction (GGD) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription that originated in the ancient Chinese medical book “Treatise on Febrile Diseases”. The prescription consists of 7 herbs: Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, Ephedra sinica Stapf, Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Zingiber officinale Rosc., and Ziziphus jujuba Mill. It can alleviate high fever and soreness in the neck and shoulders caused by exogenous wind chill and is widely used in both China and Japan. Currently, GGD is primarily utilized for treating flu and the common cold. GGD has been reported to show significant anti-influenza A virus (IAV) activity both in vitro and in vivo. However, the active ingredients responsible for its anti-influenza properties have not been elucidated, and the mechanisms underlying its anti-influenza effects require further research. Aim of the studyThis study aims to investigate the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of GGD in treating influenza. Materials and methodsHPLC chromatograms were established for GGD water and different polar extracts. The effect of different GGD extracts on pulmonary virus titers and TNFα expression was assessed through RT-PCR analysis. Spectrum-effect relationships between chromatographic peaks of GGD and its virus inhibition rate and TNFα inhibition rate were investigated using partial least squares regression (PLSR) analysis. HPLC-Q-TOF-MS was utilized to identify the constituents absorbed into the blood after oral administration of GGD. Network analysis of the absorbed forms of active ingredients was conducted to predict the potential mechanisms of GGD. Subsequently, total SOD activity, CAT and HO-1 expression and Nrf2 nuclear translocation were then analyzed. Finally, the impact of interfering with HO-1 expression on the anti-IAV activity of GGD was examined. ResultsThe study identified 11 anti-influenza active ingredients in GGD, which are daidzein, ononin, genistin, daidzin, 3′-methoxypuerarin, puerarin, pseudoephedrine, paeoniflorin, pormononetin-7-xylosyl-glucoside, penistein-7-O-apiosyl-glucoside, and ephedrine. Network analysis revealed various biological activities of GGD, including responses to ROS and oxidative stress. GGD also involves multiple antiviral pathways, such as hepatitis B, IAV, and Toll-like receptor pathways. Experimental assays demonstrated that GGD possesses independent antioxidant activity both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, GGD inhibits the increase in intracellular ROS induced by IAV. In vivo, it reduces MDA levels and increases total pulmonary SOD activity. Applying siRNA and flow cytometry analysis revealed that GGD alleviates IAV-induced oxidative burst by promoting the expression of HO-1 and CAT. Western blot analysis revealed that GGD effectively promotes Nrf2 nuclear translocation and enhances Nrf2 expression. Furthermore, this study found that the enhancement of HO-1 expression by GGD contributed to its anti-IAV activity. ConclusionsThe study identified the active ingredients of GGD against influenza and demonstrated the beneficial role of GGD's antioxidant activity in treating flu. The antioxidant activity of GGD is associated with the promotion of Nrf2 nuclear translocation and the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, HO-1, and CAT. Overall, this study provides evidence supporting the use of GGD as an adjunctive or complementary therapy for influenza.

ETCM v2.0: An update with comprehensive resource and rich annotations for traditional Chinese medicine.

Existing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-related databases are still insufficient in data standardization, integrity and precision, and need to be updated urgently. Herein, an Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine version 2.0 (ETCM v2.0, http://www.tcmip.cn/ETCM2/front/#/) was constructed as the latest curated database hosting 48,442 TCM formulas recorded by ancient Chinese medical books, 9872 Chinese patent drugs, 2079 Chinese medicinal materials and 38,298 ingredients. To facilitate the mechanistic research and new drug discovery, we improved the target identification method based on a two-dimensional ligand similarity search module, which provides the confirmed and/or potential targets of each ingredient, as well as their binding activities. Importantly, five TCM formulas/Chinese patent drugs/herbs/ingredients with the highest Jaccard similarity scores to the submitted drugs are offered in ETCM v2.0, which may be of significance to identify prescriptions/herbs/ingredients with similar clinical efficacy, to summarize the rules of prescription use, and to find alternative drugs for endangered Chinese medicinal materials. Moreover, ETCM v2.0 provides an enhanced JavaScript-based network visualization tool for creating, modifying and exploring multi-scale biological networks. ETCM v2.0 may be a major data warehouse for the quality marker identification of TCMs, the TCM-derived drug discovery and repurposing, and the pharmacological mechanism investigation of TCMs against various human diseases.

Garcinia oligantha: A comprehensive overview of ethnomedicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Garcinia oligantha Merr. is an ethnomedicine plant mainly distributed in Guangdong and Hainan, China. It has the effects of heat-clearing and detoxicating, which has been used by local ethnic minorities to treat a variety of diseases, including inflammation, internal heat, toothache and scald. This review summarizes and discusses the progress of the chemical compounds and biological activities of G. oligantha that have been studied in recent years to provide the direction for the prospective research and applications of G. oligantha. The relevant literature about G. oligantha was accessible from ancient Chinese medical books and records, theses, as well as major scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Baidu Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). To date, more than 150 chemical compounds were isolated from this plant, including xanthones, volatile oil, fatty acid, benzofurane derivative and biphenyl compounds. Xanthones are the main bioactive compounds that exhibit diverse biological effects, such as antitumor, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, neuroprotective, antimalarial and antibacterial effects, which are consistent with its traditional uses as a folk medicine. Modern pharmacological studies show that these compounds participate in a variety of signaling pathways underlying different pathophysiologies, making them a valuable medicinal resource. G. oligantha is an ethnomedicine with a long history. However, due to regional and cultural constraints, the popularisation and use of ethnomedicine are still limited. Modern pharmacological and chemical research suggest that G. oligantha contains a variety of bioactive compounds and showed diverse biological functions, which is worthy of comprehensive and in-depth research. This review summarizes and discusses the recent progress in studies on G. oligantha, looking forward to promote further research and sustainable development of folk medicinal plants.

Identification of Small-Molecule Bioactive Constituents from the Leaves of Vaccinium bracteatum Confirms It as a Potential Functional Food with Health Benefits

The health benefits of Vaccinium bracteatum are well recorded in ancient Chinese medical books and were also demonstrated by modern researches. However, the relationship between its beneficial functions and specific chemical constituents has not been fully characterized. This study investigated the bioactive small-molecule constituents in the leaves of V. bracteatum, which afforded 32 compounds including ten new ones (1-9) and ten pairs of enantiomers (9-18). Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, especially nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analyses, with 1-4 bearing a novel revolving-door shaped scaffold. While half-compounds exhibited decent antioxidant activity by scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, all except 19 and 20 exerted significant capturing activity against diammonium 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radicals. In addition, the new iridoids 1, 5, 6, and 7 exerted apparent neuroprotective activity toward PC12 cells, with 1 being comparable to the positive control, and selective compounds also displayed anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting α-glucosidase and NO production, respectively. The current work revealed that the bioactive small-molecule constituents could be closely related to the functional food property of the title species.

The understanding of chronic rhinitis in traditional Chinese medicine and the definition of nasal obstruction disease

This paper reports on review of the conceptual cognition and definition of chronic rhinitis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Diseases with nasal congestion as the main symptom were recorded in The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic (Huang Di Nei Jing) and Medical Bamboo slips of Wu Wei(Wu Wei Yi Jian), but these diseases had not been given names at that point in time. Chronic rhinitis and acute rhinitis had not been distinguished clearly. Some symptoms, in ancient Chinese medical books, indicated some possibility as those of chronic rhinitis, such as "bi weng"(), "stuffy nose"(), "anosmia" (), "nasal obstruction"(), "stuffy nose with anosmia"() and " poor nasal passages" ().In the first half of the last century, "biyuan"(), "biweng" () and "stuffy nose"() were classified at the symptoms of chronic rhinitis with the same names in traditional Chinese medicine. "Biyuan" was widely used at that time, but was gradually eliminated for the lack of semantic meaning. In the 1970s, "nasal obstruction" was proposed by many textbooks as the name of TCM for chronic rhinitis. In 1980, "nasal obstruction disease"() was finally specified as the formal name by Otorhinolaryngology of TCM (the 4th edition), the national unified textbook. This term has been widely accepted in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, driven by the united textbooks and clinical guidelines, while it is still insufficient in the perspective of meaning and science. The process of normalisation of "nasal obstruction disease" shows that the name of chronic rhinitis in ancient Chinese medicine is not equivalent to its term in modern medicine. It also suggests that the comparison of disease names between traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine must be fully investigated. It is necessary to understand the differences between ancient and modern connotations of terminology when reading and using ancient Chinese medicine literature.

LTM-TCM: A comprehensive database for the linking of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern medicine at molecular and phenotypic levels

Benefiting from the development of network pharmacology, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows great potential in modern drug discovery. Recently, more and more TCM-related databases have been established for both academic and industry research, but they are still insufficient in data standardization, integrity, and precision. To better accelerate the TCM research and overcome these shortcomings, we construct a web-based TCM platform, LTM-TCM, which is currently the most comprehensive TCM database that includes the following advantages: (1) High-quality data integration from fourteen TCM authoritative databases, especially with additional manual collected 41,025 clinical treatment records and 213 ancient Chinese medical books. (2) Accurate correction of multi-source TCM interactions (between symptoms, prescriptions, herbs, ingredients and targets) through in-house Biomedical Natural Language Processing (BioNLP) approaches in more than 30 million articles. (3) Diverse cross-field pipelines (e.g., bioactive ingredients screening, targets prediction, and mechanism prediction, etc.) help integrating traditional medicine with modern science in common aspects at both the molecular and phenotypic levels. In summary, LTM-TCM contains 1928 symptoms, 48,126 prescriptions, 9122 plants, 34,967 ingredients, 13,109 targets and 1170,133 interactions among all TCM related components. LTM-TCM has both Chinese and English interfaces, and it is accessible at http://cloud.tasly.com/#/tcm/home.

The sources of the attached drawings to Tanksuqnameh

Tanksuqnameh (Yi Li Han) as the earliest Persian transcription of traditional Chinese medicine for the west, has great value in the history of Sino-Iranian medical cultural exchanges. The eleven drawings attached to Tanksuqnameh concerning meridians and pulse diagnosis were compared to relative paintings attached to some ancient Chinese medical books. It was found that eight of the drawings attached to Tanksuqnameh came from the paintings attached to The Zhuan Tu Ju Jie of the Yellow Emperor Eighty-One Nan Jing by Li Jiong. The sources of the three paintings have not been identified. However, based on the comparison between the three paintings attached to Tanksuqnameh and the paintings in the medical books in the Ming Dynasty in terms of outlines, names and the content, they might come from the same medical book as a reference.

Textual and information research of classical prescription Mijiao Pills

Elaphurus davidianus( Milu),a rare animal unique to China,has been used as medicine for more than a thousand years,but the extinction of Milu in modern times resulted in the unavailability of related medical products. Today,the reintroduction of Milu population makes it possible to restore its medicinal usage. The resource reserves of Cervi Cornu,the natural shedding product from Milu,are increasing with the expansion of the population,allowing it to be fully utilized in the medical field. Mijiao Pills,first recorded in Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency( Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang) by Sun Simiao in the Tang Dynasty,is the first Chinese medicinal prescription with Cervi Cornu as the sovereign medicinal,which is effective in tonifying. Its composition,preparation,efficacy and indications,and administration are described in detail in the Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency,which however,have changed significantly over the thousands of years,seriously affecting the clinical application of this classical prescription and related product development. Therefore,the key information of this prescription should be systematically collated and summarized. According to the principles of textual research on key information in ancient classical prescriptions promulgated by relevant authorities,this paper reviewed ancient Chinese medical books of the past dynasties,modern literature,as well as the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China( 2020 Version) to figure out such key information as the source,historical evolution,original plants and animals and their processing,dosage,preparation,and usage of Mijiao Pills. This paper aimed to provide a basis for the clinical application of Mijiao Pills and subsequent product development,thus facilitating the development and utilization of this precious medicinal animal resource.

Protective effect of Sika Deer bone polypeptide extract on dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis in rats

Background: Osteoporosis attacks approximately 10% of the population worldwide. Sika Deer ( Cervus nippon ), one of China’s precious traditional medicinal animals, has been widely recorded in ancient Chinese medical books and claimed for centuries to have numerous medical benefits including bone strengthening. This study aimed to find the use of Sika Deer bone in treating osteoporosis according to traditional records and to investigate the protective effect of Sika Deer bone polypeptide extract on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in rats. Results: Sika Deer bone polypeptide extract could increase serum Ca 2+ and BGP, decrease serum P 3+ , ALP, PTH, and CT, but had no effect on serum NO in rats with GIOP. The immunohistochemical iNOS results of the rats’ distal femur were negative in each group. Besides the model group, the eNOS color reaction in osteoblasts was strongly positive in the other three groups. Conclusions: Sika Deer bone polypeptide extract can improve pathological changes in the microstructure and stimulate the expression of eNOS in osteoblasts. The protective effect on bone might be mediated by eNOS-dependent NO generation. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Tabla normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri,sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Times New Roman; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Sjogren’s syndrome in clinical trials of traditional Chinese medicine: protocol for the development of a core outcome set

BackgroundSjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease with an incidence of 0.03 to 0.3%. In recent years, there are an increasing number of randomized controlled trials of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for SS. However, there are generally some problems in these published clinical trials: lack of reporting primary or long-term outcomes and the heterogeneous in different clinical trials’ outcome. Our study aims to determine the priority outcomes and standard TCM syndromes for all stakeholders and reach agreement on the COS and syndromes to be measured and reported in all future TCM trials in patients with SS.Methods and analysisA phase-wise refinement approach will be used, consisting of three phases, yet complementary, sub-work phases, whereby each phase will inform the next coming phases. The following are the three phases: (I-a) identifying of a long initial list of outcomes through systematic literature review and semi-structured qualitative interviews and (I-b) identifying an initial list of TCM syndromes through (1) systematic literature review, (2) referencing ancient Chinese medical books, and (3) retrospective studies of medical records; (II) prioritization of outcomes using Delphi survey with different stakeholders, such as health professionals and patients; and (III) through consensus meetings with patients and professionals to agree on the final COS and TCM syndromes.DiscussionWe summarized the actions of COS into three points: direct action, indirect action, and final action. After the final COSs is completed, we will publish this research in a journal to promote communication.Trial registrationCore Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative (COMET) number 1429. Registered on 01 December 2019.

Textual research on lost ancient Chinese medical books in Bencao Tujing

Bencao Tujing(, Illustration Classics for Materia Medica) occupies an irreplaceable academic position in the academic history of Chinese Materia Medica. It was written in the early Song Dynasty. The contents of Chinese medical books before Song Dynasty have not been revised by Song Dynasty officials, and the original appearance of earlier documents have been preserved. Domestic and foreign scholars mainly focus on the textual research of Chinese Materia medica patterns, and academic value research. The special research on the Lost ancient Chinese medical books were relatively rare. According to the names of"XX Fang"or"Someone Fang"in Bencao Tujing, about 46 kinds of Lost ancient Chinese medical books have been found. Taking Wei Zhou's Du Xing Fang, Liu Yuxi's Chuan Xin Fang, Tian Bao Dan Fang Tu (Tian Bao Dan Xing Fang) as examples, it is found that Lost ancient Chinese medical books recorded in Bencao Tujing have abundant materials and clear clues, which have further exploration space for the research and collection of Chinese medical books.

Comparative study of Danshen and Siwu decoction based on the molecular structures of the components and predicted targets

BackgroundThe sentence of “Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) and Siwu decoction are similar in function” was first recorded in an ancient Chinese medical book “Fu Ren Ming Li Lun”. This theory has far-reaching influence on the clinical practice of Chinese medicine and is highly respected by Chinese medical doctors. However, the theory has limitations and controversial part for there is no in-depth and system comparative study.MethodsWe collected the molecular structures of 129 compounds of Danshen and 81 compounds of Siwu decoction from the literatures. MACCS fingerprints and Tanimoto similarity were calculated based on the molecular structures for comparing the structural feature. Molecular descriptors which represent physical and chemical properties were calculated by Discovery Studio. Principal component analysis (PCA) of was performed based on the descriptors. The ADMET properties were predicted by FAF-Drugs4. The effect targets for the compounds with good ADMET properties were confirmed from experimental data and predicted using the algorithm comprising Bernoulli Naive Bayes profiling.ResultsBased on the molecular structures, the presented study compared the structural feature, physical and chemical properties, ADMET properties, and effect targets of compounds of Danshen and Siwu decoction. It is found that Danshen and Siwu decoction do not have the same main active components. Moreover, the 2D structure of compounds from Danshen and Siwu decoction is not similar. Some of the compounds of Danshen and Siwu decoction are similar in 3D structure. The compounds with good ADMET properties of Danshen and Siwu decoction have same predicted targets, but some have different targets.ConclusionsIt can be inferred from the result that Danshen and Siwu decoction have some similarities, but also present differences from each other in the structure of the compounds and predicted targets. This may be the material basis of the similar and different traditional efficacy of Danshen and Siwu decoction. The setence of “ Danshen and Siwu decoction are similar in function. “ which is used in clinical has its material basis and target connotation to some extent. However, the traditional effects of Danshen and Siwu decoction are not exactly the same.

Data on the optimization of the formula of Xiaokeyinshui extract combination treating diabetes mellitus using uniform experimental design in mice

This dataset is supplementary to our accepted article in Journal of Ethnopharmacology [1]. Xiaokeyinshui (XKYS) formula, an anti-diabetic formula, was recorded in many ancient Chinese medical books. Xiaokeyinshui extract combination (XEC) originated from this ancient formula, consisting extracts of four herbal drugs, i.e., Coptidis Rhizoma, Liriopes Radix, bitter melon, and Cassiae Semen. In this study, herb extracts were prepared and mixed, producing Xiaokeyinshui extract combination (XEC). The optimized formula of XEC was also investigated via uniform experimental design. Diabetes was induced in Kunming mice, using high-sugar-high-fat diet combined with injection of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally. Different formulae of XEC were intragastrically administered to diabetic mice for 28 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG) were measured to assess the anti-diabetic effects of each formula. Multivariate second degree polynomial model was applied in the fitting of metabolic parameters, and the extremum value of each regression model was calculated using grid algorithm. In addition, an optimized formula of XEC was subjected to validation experiment in mice model. This data could provide basis for a reasonable analysis for the optimization of the formula of XEC.

Xiaokeyinshui extract combination, a berberine-containing agent, exerts anti-diabetic and renal protective effects on rats in multi-target mechanisms

Ethnopharmacological relevanceXiaokeyinshui (XKYS) formula, an anti-diabetic formula, was recorded in many ancient Chinese medical books. Xiaokeyinshui extract combination (XEC) originated from this ancient formula, consisting extracts of four herbal drugs, namely, Coptidis Rhizoma, Liriopes Radix, bitter melon, and Cassiae Semen. ObjectiveTherapeutic effects of Xiaokeyinshui extract combination (XEC) were assessed on diabetic rats. Materials and methodsHerb extracts were prepared and mixed, yielding XEC. XEC were intragastrically given at doses of 260, 380 and 500 mg/kg/d to diabetic rats for 60 days. Anti-diabetic effects of XEC were studied, with measurement of body weight, and assessment of both glycemic control and lipid management. Measurement of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were conducted in accordance to protocols of commercial kits. Parameters related to renal functions were also measured. Western blot (WB) analysis was performed to explore the anti-diabetic and renal protective mechanisms of XEC. ResultsCompared to diabetic control, XEC exhibited significant effects in both glucose-lowering and lipid management (p < 0.01). Both oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines were reduced after treatment of XEC for two months. In addition, XEC exhibited renal protective effects. WB analysis of liver tissue demonstrated that XEC achieved anti-diabetic effects through up-regulation of InsRα/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling pathway and phosphorylation of AMPK. In addition, renal protective effects were also achieved with down-regulation of RAGE and VEGF expressions in kidney. ConclusionsXEC exerts promising anti-diabetic and renal protective effects on diabetic rats in multi-target mechanisms. XEC could be a satisfying alternative treating T2DM and preventing diabetic nephropathy.

Knowledge structure of lumbago's symptoms and employed acupoints in book A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion based on Weka preprocessing association rules

To dig the knowledge structure of lumbago's symptoms and acupoints in book Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) and Zhenjiu Dacheng (Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) in order to provide a possible scientific method for exploring their combination regularities in ancient Chinese medical books about acupuncture-moxibustion, and to investigate the feasibility and scientificity of the "association rule" in trimming the related ancient medical books and records. The articles about lumbago's symptoms and employed acupoints were screened from classic me-dical book Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing and Zhenjiu Dacheng, followed by establishing a database. Then, the bidimensional correlation analysis about the lumbago-symptoms and symptoms-acupoints was conducted by using Apriori algorithm of Weka3.9.0 platform. A total of 153 entries about symptoms as spinalgia (31.68%) and cold limbs (25.74%) and the employed acupoints as Weizhong (BL40，17.60%), Shenshu (BL23, 9.60%) and Kunlun (BL60, 6.40%) are found. The top 3 supplemented acupoints are BL40 for concomitant symptoms of spinalgia, BL23 for cold limbs, and BL60 for dizzy symptoms. Regarding the paired acupoints for lumbago, the most frequently used ones are BL23-BL40 (30.40%)．. In book Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing and Zhenjiu Dacheng, lumbago has chief symptoms of spinalgia and cold limbs that are mainly disorders of the Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang and Governor Vessel, and the acupoints of these two meridians are frequently selected in combination with some specific acupoints.