Component Of Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Articles

Application of metabolomics in quality control of traditional Chinese medicines: a review

Plant metabolites are the components endowing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with therapeutic effects, and, simultaneously, they are the primary targets for quality control. From germplasm selection and origin determination to field management, growth duration, harvesting and processing, and, finally, storage and transportation, each step profoundly influences TCM quality. The complexity of these plant or herb metabolites poses numerous quality control challenges. Metabolomics, as a comprehensive and systematic approach, has demonstrated value in this field. This technique not only meets the requirements for studying the complex mechanisms of TCM but also has significant advantages in identifying the TCM components, including active components. Therefore, in this article, several key factors affecting the chemical characteristics and quality traits of TCM, including their origin, harvesting period, medicinal parts, and processing methods, are researched. Additionally, the current challenges of integrating metabolomics with other omics technologies (transcriptomics, spatial metabolomics, etc.) are discussed. Furthermore, a future development trends and prospects are highlighted. With the continuous deepening of research and ongoing updates in technological capabilities, metabolomics will play an increasingly important role in the quality control of TCM, providing more scientific and robust support for quality assurance and safety evaluation.

An integrated approach for studying exposure, metabolism, and disposition of traditional Chinese medicine using PATBS and MDRB tools: a case study of semen Armeniacae Amarum.

Deciphering the in vivo processes of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is crucial for identifying new pharmacodynamic substances and new drugs. Due to the complexity and diversity of components, investigating the exposure, metabolism, and disposition remains a major challenge in TCM research. In recent years, a number of non-targeted smart mass-spectrometry (MS) techniques, such as precise-and-thorough background-subtraction (PATBS) and metabolomics, have realized the intelligent identification of in vivo components of TCM. However, the metabolites characterization still largely relies on manual identification in combination with online databases. We developed a scoring approach based on the structural similarity and minimal mass defect variations between metabolites and prototypes. The current method integrates three dimensions of mass spectral data including m/z, mass defect of MS1 and MS2, and the similarity of MS2 fragments, which was sequentially analyzed by a R-based mass dataset relevance bridging (MDRB) data post-processing technique. The MDRB technology constructed a component relationship network for TCM, significantly improving metabolite identification efficiency and facilitating the mapping of translational metabolic pathways. By combining MDRB with PATBS through this non-targeted identification technology, we developed a comprehensive strategy for identification, characterization and bridging analysis of TCM metabolite in vivo. As a proof of concept, we adopted the proposed strategy to investigate the process of exposure, metabolism, and disposition of Semen Armeniacae Amarum (CKXR) in mice. The currently proposed analytical approach is universally applicable and demonstrates its effectiveness in analyzing complex components of TCMs in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, it enables the correlation of in vitro and in vivo data, providing insights into the metabolic transformationsamong components sharing the same parent nucleus structure. Finally, the developed MDRB platform is publicly available for ( https://github.com/933ZhangDD/MDRB ) for accelerating TCM research for the scientific community.

The evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine as recombinant inventions

It has been widely recognized that technologies evolve with recombinant inventions. However, it remains unknown whether technologies developed using different approaches would exhibit different features during evolution. In particular, would technologies developed mainly based on accumulated experience in practices-formulas of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are typical examples of such technologies-have similar evolution features found in modern technologies? This study applied network science to explore the evolution of TCM from the perspective of recombinant inventions based on 59,063 TCM formulas documented over the last two thousand years, with each formula being a combination of components that are mostly herbs. Our results show that similar to modern technological systems, the TCM component networks maintained the core-periphery structures during evolution, and the (weighted) degrees of components followed heavy-tailed distributions. Moreover, simple tuples, which are frequently used combinations of TCM components, serve as building blocks for complex ones. A significant difference with modern technological systems is that the TCM core components were quite stable, while substitutions of core components are frequently observed in modern technological systems, leading to new technological trajectories. TCM comprises ancient knowledge and wisdom. This research provides insight into how it will be like in the future and what is important for its future.

Wireless power supply near-infrared light drug-loaded microneedle system for the treatment of linear skin wounds

The healing of linear skin wounds is a complex biological process, and traditional treatment methods have certain limitations. This study proposes a wireless power supply near-infrared light drug-loaded microneedle system (NIR-LED-NG-R1-MN), which utilizes microneedles (MNs) to achieve targeted delivery of the active component of traditional Chinese medicine, Notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1), and combines the biological regulatory effect of near-infrared light (NIR) to achieve efficient synergistic treatment for linear skin wounds. Experimental results show that the device can significantly promote the wound closure rate and reduce the levels of inflammatory factors and the risk of scar formation. By comparing the wound repair conditions of different treatment groups, it was found that the group treated with the NIR-LED-NG-R1-MN patch for NG-R1 and NIR synergistic treatment (MN@NG-R1@LED group) showed superior wound repair effects compared to other groups, thus confirming the synergistic therapeutic advantages of NG-R1 and NIR in skin wound healing. In addition, the application of wireless power supply technology used in this system eliminates the dependence on external power sources, enhancing the convenience of treatment. This study clearly demonstrates that the NIR-LED-NG-R1-MN has the potential to become a new clinical method for the treatment of linear skin wound healing.

Astragalus membranaceus: A Traditional Chinese Medicine with Multifaceted Impacts on Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer, the most prevalent malignant tumor among women globally, remains a critical area of focus for researchers striving to refine therapeutic approaches. As an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has demonstrated potential for multifaceted impacts on breast cancer treatment through various mechanisms. To guide clinical practice and further explore the under-researched field of AM in breast cancer treatment, this paper mainly reviews the regulatory roles of AM-derived compounds and extracts on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, this study delves into the synergistic effects observed when AM is co-administered with chemotherapeutic agents, including the enhancement of chemosensitivity, mitigation of toxic side effects, and reversal of drug resistance. This review indicates that AM holds promise not only as a therapy in breast cancer treatment but also paves the way for innovative integrated treatment approaches that combine the benefits of traditional medicine with modern pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, future research endeavors are also urged to elucidate the in vivo pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of AM to inform more effective clinical treatment strategies.

Binding with HSP90β, cimifugin ameliorates fibrotic cataracts in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting TGFβ signaling pathways

Fibrotic cataracts, the most frequent complications after phacoemulsification, cannot be cured by drugs in clinic. The primary mechanism underlying the disease is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cimifugin is a natural monomer component of traditional Chinese medicines. Previous researches have demonstrated the effect of cimifugin inhibiting EMT in the lung. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the impact of cimifugin on EMT in the lens and elucidate its precise mechanism. The pathogenesis of fibrotic cataracts was simulated using TGFβ2-induced cell model of EMT and the injury-induced anterior subcapsular cataract animal model. Through H&E staining and immunofluorescence of mice eyeballs, we discovered that cimifugin can inhibit the expansion of fibrotic lesions in vivo. Furthermore, at mRNA and protein levels, we confirmed that cimifugin can allay EMT of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the inhibition of cimifugin on the activation of TGFβ-related signaling pathways was certified by immunoblot. HSP90β, the target of cimifugin, was predicted by network pharmacology and verified by drug affinity responsive target stability, the cellular thermal shift assay, and microscale thermophoresis. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation revealed the interaction between HSP90β and TGFβRII. Together, our findings showed that by weakening the binding of HSP90β and TGFβRII, cimifugin suppressed the TGFβ signaling pathways to alleviate fibrotic cataracts. Cimifugin is a promising medication for the treatment of fibrotic cataracts.

Exploring the potential mechanisms of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction in treating elderly bronchial asthma through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations.

Modern medical practice has confirmed the efficacy of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction (MHFZXXD) in treating elderly bronchial asthma, but its specific mechanisms of action remain to be clarified. Therefore, this study utilizes network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the key active components, core target genes, and potential mechanisms of MHFZXXD in the treatment of elderly bronchial asthma. Active components and related targets of MHFZXXD were identified through the retrieval and screening of the TCMSP, Swiss Targets Prediction, and Uniprot databases. Relevant targets for elderly bronchial asthma were searched using the GeneCards, OMIM, and Pharm GKB databases, followed by the selection of intersecting targets between the drug's active components and the disease. A PPI network diagram was created using String and Cytoscape software, and the intersecting targets of the disease and the active components of traditional Chinese medicine were imported into the DAVID database for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis to further explore their potential mechanisms of action. Subsequently, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed using AutoDock Vina and Gromacs to verify the binding capacity and stability of the core genes with the key active components. The study results indicate that the active components of MHFZXXD, such as quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol, target multiple genes including AKT1, EGF, MYC, TGFB1, PTEN, and CCND1. They exert effects through signaling pathways such as TNF, PI3K-Akt, and HIF-1. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations show that the core targets bind stably with the key active components. Overall, MHFZXXD may reduce inflammatory responses and improve hypoxic conditions and apoptosis during the progression of elderly bronchial asthma through multiple active components, targets, and signaling pathways, thereby delaying the malignant progression of the disease. This provides relevant evidence and experimental data for clinical treatment and further research.

Sika Deer antler protein antagonizes the inflammatory response and oxidative damage induced by jellyfish venom

The investigation into specific treatments for jellyfish stings has consistently presented a significant medical challenge. Sika Deer antler protein (DAP), a valuable component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its various pharmacological properties, has been widely utilized for the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases. In this study, proteome analysis and biological activity assays of DAP identified 94 distinct protein components and demonstrated its capability to scavenge free radicals. Moreover, administration of 50 mg/kg DAP notably enhanced survival rates in mice, mitigated increases in hematological indicators and inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α), and alleviated pathological abnormalities induced by jellyfish venom. Additionally, DAP intervention significantly decreased the hemolysis rate and improved the viability of RAW264.7 cells, while reducing cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Transcriptome analysis and western blotting of RAW264.7 cells further confirmed that DAP inhibited the activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Overall, DAP effectively countered the toxicity of jellyfish venom by reducing oxidative damage and inflammatory response, highlighting the potential of TCM in treating jellyfish stings.

Development of a new paradigm model for deciphering action mechanism of Danhong injection using a combination of isothermal shift assay and database interrogation

BackgroundIdentification of active components of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and their respective targets is important for understanding the mechanisms underlying TCM efficacy. However, there are still no effective technical methods to achieve this.MethodsHerein, we have established a method for rapidly identifying targets of a specific TCM and interrogating the targets with their corresponding active components based on Isothermal Shift Assay (iTSA) and database interrogation.ResultsWe optimized iTSA workflow and identified 110 targets for Danhong injection (DHI) which is used as an effective remedy for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Moreover, we identified the targets of the nine major ingredients found in DHI. Database interrogation found that the potential targets for DHI, in which we verified that ADK as the target for salvianolic acid A and ALDH1B1 as the target for protocatechualdehyde in DHI, respectively.ConclusionOverall, we established a novel paradigm model for the identification of targets and their respective ingredients in DHI, which facilitates the discovery of drug candidates and targets for improving disease management and contributes to revealing the underlying mechanisms of TCM and fostering TCM development and modernization.Graphical

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine compound "Chaihu Shugan Powder" in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome.

This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive and insightful review and analysis of the potential targets and corresponding pathways of Chaihu Shugan Powder (CSP) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) using a network pharmacology approach. The review will encompass traditional applications, active ingredients of Chinese medicines, clinical applications, pharmacological mechanisms, and active ingredients. The active ingredients, pharmacological mechanisms, and clinical applications of the herbal ingredients in the CSP formulation were summarized by searching the literature, and the main signaling pathways of the CSP formulation for the treatment of PMS were identified by network pharmacological studies. CSP is a representative traditional Chinese medicine formula known for its liver detoxification properties and its effectiveness in alleviating depression. It is also recognized as one of the most widely used formulas for treating PMS. In this study, we systematically summarized the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of the 7 traditional Chinese medicine components present in CSP. Through network pharmacology analysis, we identified 75 common targets of CSP relevant to the treatment of PMS. These targets were predominantly concentrated within 17 specific signaling pathways, elucidating the potential molecular mechanisms underlying CSP's therapeutic effects on PMS. In this paper, we have reviewed CSP and PMS, investigated the potential targets and corresponding pathways of CSP for the treatment of PMS, and systematically summarized the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of 7 herbal components. In addition, 17 pathways of CSP for PMS were identified for future research and clinical application. However, the specific mechanism of action of CSP for the treatment of PMS is only based on literature and online pharmacological studies, and no basic or clinical experiments have been conducted. In addition, CSP has many components with complex and varied interactions, and the effects of certain compounds may be overlooked. Based on the present findings, it is beneficial to further explore the mechanism of action of the new effector compounds and the prospect of their application in basic research and clinical trials. In conclusion, the revelation of new effector compounds and mechanisms of action is conducive to the further clinical application of CSP, the discovery of new targets for PMS, and the modernization of Chinese medicine.

The Mechanisms and Quality Markers of Anti-rheumatoid Arthritis of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

RA is a recurrent autoimmune disease that has significant adverse effects on the physical and mental health of patients. Traditional Chinese medicine has shown significant advantages in the prevention and treatment of RA. Numerous clinical and experimental studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine components have clear therapeutic effects and minimal adverse reactions in treating RA. The research on traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of RA has become a hot topic in the field of autoimmune diseases. The related references about the mechanisms and Q-markers of anti-RA of traditional Chinese medicine in this review were collected from Willy, SpringLink, Web of Science, Elsevier, PubMed, SciFinder, Scopus, ACS publications, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, and CNKI. The traditional Chinese medicine components such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids have significant anti-RA effects, and their mechanisms are mainly to inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibit the proliferation of RA fibroblasts like synovial cells, and regulate Th1/Th2 cell balance, and so on. Predicting and studying the Q-markers of traditional Chinese medicine anti-RA by plant phylogeny and chemical componentss, traditional medicinal properties, pharmacokinetics, component measurability, correlation between composition and efficacy, and gut microbiota will provide scientific foundations for the research and further development of anti-RA traditional Chinese medicine. The active components of traditional Chinese medicine exhibited the characteristic of multiple mechanisms in the treatment of RA, such as terpenoids had anti-angiogenesis effects, flavonoids had anti-inflammatory and cartilage protective effects, and alkaloids had antiinflammatory and analgesic effects. The proposal of Q-markers for anti-RA provided new research ideas for promoting the development of new drugs for anti-RA and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of clinical medications.

Drug pairs of Huangqi and Danggui alleviates pyroptosis by promoting autophagy activity via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in middle-cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common complication of ischemic stroke, with autophagy and pyroptosis playing key roles. Huangqi and Danggui (HQDG) are a commonly used drug pair of Chinese traditional medicine for clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. Aim of the studyThe study aims to investigate the interaction between autophagy and pyroptosis regulated by HQDG through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway during cerebral I/R injury. Materials and methodsModel of middle-cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in SD rats was established using the Longa suture method. The components of traditional Chinese medicine were detected by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Neurological deficits were evaluated by neurological function score. Changes of cerebral blood flow were detected by a laser speckle blood flow imaging instrument. The volume of cerebral infarction was observed by 2,3,5-Chlorotriphenyltetrazolium (TTC) staining. The permeability of the blood-brain barrier was measured by Evans blue test. Neurovascular unit and autophagosomes in brain tissue were assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Neuronal pyroptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)/Caspase-1 staining. The expression of autophagy related proteins, pyroptosis related proteins, and AMPK/mTOR pathway related proteins were detected by Western blot. ResultsAfter cerebral I/R injury, autophagy and pyroptosis, were characterized by increased number of autophagosomes and pyroptosis cells, upregulated expression of Beclin 1, LC3-II/LC3-I, NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1beta, IL-18 proteins, and downregulated expression of P62 proteins. HQDG significantly improved neurological function, reduced the volume of cerebral infarction, increased cerebral blood flow, improved blood-brain barrier permeability and the function of neurovascular units. Autophagy was further activated and pyroptosis was significantly inhibited by HQDG, which promoted increased number of autophagosomes, enhanced expression of Beclin 1, LC3-II/LC3-I proteins, reduced expression of P62, NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1beta, and IL-18 proteins, and downregulated the number of pyroptosis cells. On the other hand, after administering 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) to inhibit autophagy, the above effects of HQDG were significantly inhibited. Besides, HQDG promoted AMPK phosphorylation, and weakened mTOR phosphorylation. However, after the administration of AMPK inhibitor Compound C, HQDG caused increase in Beclin 1 and LC3-II/LC3-I, reduced P62 and NLRP3, and cleaved Caspase-1 protein expression, whereas cerebral blood flow decreased. ConclusionHQDG alleviated pyroptosis by promoting autophagy via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway after middle-cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion in rats, showing its potential for treatment of cerebral I/R injury in humans.

Probe substrates assay estimates the effect of polyphyllin H on the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes in human liver microsomes.

Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) play a crucial role in phase I metabolic reactions. The activity of CYPs would affect therapeutic efficacy and may even induce toxicity. Given the complex components of traditional Chinese medicine, it is important to understand the effect of active ingredients on CYPs activity to guide their prescription. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of polyphyllin H on the activity of CYPs major isoforms providing a reference for the clinical prescription of polyphyllin H and its source herbs. The effects of polyphyllin H were evaluated in pooled human liver microsomes using probe substrates of CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4 to determine their activities. The Lineweaver-Burk was used to model the inhibition, and a time-dependent inhibition experiment was performed to understand the characteristics of the inhibition. Polyphyllin H significantly suppressed the activity of CYP1A2, 2D6, and 3A4 with IC50 values of 6.44, 13.88, and 4.52 μM, respectively. The inhibition of CYP1A2 and 2D6 was best fitted with a competitive model, yielding the inhibition constant (Ki) values of 3.18 and 6.77 μM, respectively. The inhibition of CYP3A4 was fitted with the non-competitive model with the Ki value of 2.38 μM. Moreover, the inhibition of CYP3A4 was revealed to be time-dependent with the inhibition parameters inhibition constant (KI) and inactivation rate constant (Kinact) values of 2.26 μM-1 and 0.045 min-1. Polyphyllin H acted as a competitive inhibitor of CYP1A2 and 2D6 and a non-competitive and time-dependent inhibitor of CYP3A4.

Exploring synergistic effects of Achyranthes bidentata Blume and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. on hypertension with liver yang hyperactivity using the multidisciplinary integrative strategy

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulations serve as a multi-component pharmacological combination therapy with various potential targets and have collected extensive knowledge regarding the in vivo efficacy of treating cardiovascular disorders in clinical practice for thousands of years. However, the obscurity of the chemicals and the molecular mechanisms are impediments to their continued growth and globalization. Therefore, new modern medications based on the combination of beneficial TCM components with precise clinical efficacy are required. The goal of this study was to find the best combination of Achyranthes bidentata Blume (AB) and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (PL) for hypertension with liver yang hyperactivity (HLYH). The integrated research consisting of principal component analysis (PCA), metabolomics, microbiology, and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) were used to find the optimal combination of AB-PL combinations and reveal the mechanism of action. The result showed AB-PL (2:3) had a substantial protective impact on HLYH, as shown by lower blood pressure, improved liver yang hyperactivity, reduced cardiac remodeling and malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased NO content. Furthermore, the essential elements for AB-PL reducing hypertension may be related to 135 metabolites and 23 microorganisms. In conclusion, our findings support the efficacy of herbal remedies in the treatment of hypertension and provide some pharmacological evidence for the ongoing development of novel modern Chinese drugs for cardiovascular disorders.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic bioactive compounds from edible traditional Chinese medicines and their action of mechanisms explored by multitarget affinity ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

AbstractEdible traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have a long‐standing history in tackling obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases, which, in turn, significantly promotes the exploration of functional food products derived from edible TCMs with lower toxicity and reduced side effects. However, most of bioactive components from TCMs and their mechanisms in regulating blood glucose and lipids remain elusive, which poses a challenge for the development of safer and more effective TCM products. In this context, the development of high‐throughput screening methods has become even more important for the identification of active components and the in‐depth evaluation of hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this work provides an overview of edible TCMs for managing glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and summarizes the most recent progresses in identifying hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic bioactive compounds in edible TCMs through various screening methods. One significant approach involves the utilization of multitarget‐based ultrafiltration liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. This technique enables the concurrent screening and identification of potential pharmacodynamically active components in TCMs, as well as the investigation of their mechanisms of action. The bioactive compounds identified may serve as crucial active agents in reducing blood glucose and lipids, exhibiting promising potential for incorporation into functional foods or natural health products.

Functional Identification of the Terpene Synthase Family Involved in Biosynthesis in Paeonia lactiflora.

The root of Paeonia lactiflora pall. is a significant component of traditional Chinese medicine, with terpenoids and their glycosides, such as paeoniflorins, serving as key active ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and analgesic properties. By generating a transcriptome and functionally characterizing 32 terpene synthases (TPSs) from P. lactiflora, we successfully constructed 24 pESC-Trp-PlTPS expression vectors. Through expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineered strains, we identified four mono-TPSs and five sesqui-TPSs that produce 18 compounds, including eight monoterpenes and ten sesquiterpenes in vitro. This includes a bifunctional enzyme (PlTPS22). Additionally, PlTPS21 was characterized as a pinene synthase with α-pinene as its main product. The expression pattern of PlTPS21 aligns closely with the accumulation patterns of paeoniflorins and α-pinene in the plant, suggesting that PlTPS21 is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of paeoniflorin.

Flavonoids Derived from Chinese Medicine: Potential Neuroprotective Agents.

Due to their complex pathological mechanisms, neurodegenerative diseases have brought great challenges to drug development and clinical treatment. Studies have shown that many traditional Chinese medicines have neuroprotective pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation properties and have certain effects on improving the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases and delaying disease progression. Flavonoids are the main active components of many traditional Chinese medicines for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These compounds have a wide range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, regulation of autophagy balance, inhibition of apoptosis, and promotion of neuronal regeneration. This paper focuses on the neuroprotective effects of six common flavonoids: quercetin, rutin, luteolin, kaempferol, baicalein, and puerarin. It then systematically reviews their characteristics, mechanisms, and key signaling pathways, summarizes the common characteristics and laws of their neuroprotective effects, and discusses the significance of strengthening the research on the neuroprotective effects of these compounds, aiming to provide reference for more research and drug development of these substances as neuroprotective drugs.

Syn-COM: A Multi-Level Predictive Synergy Framework for Innovative Drug Combinations.

Drug prediction and treatment using bioinformatics and large-scale modeling have emerged as pivotal research areas. This study proposes a novel multi-level collaboration framework named Syn-COM for feature extraction and data integration of diseases and drugs. The framework aims to explore optimal drug combinations and interactions by integrating molecular virtuality, similarity clustering, overlap area, and network distance. It uniquely combines the characteristics of Chinese herbal medicine with clinical experience and innovatively assesses drug interaction and correlation through a synergy matrix. Gouty arthritis (GA) was used as a case study to validate the framework's reliability, leading to the identification of an effective drug combination for GA treatment, comprising Tamaricis Cacumen (Si = 0.73), Cuscutae Semen (Si = 0.68), Artemisiae Annuae Herba (Si = 0.62), Schizonepetae Herba (Si = 0.73), Gleditsiae Spina (Si = 0.89), Prunellae Spica (Si = 0.75), and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Si = 0.62). The efficacy of the identified drug combination was confirmed through animal experiments and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) component analysis. Results demonstrated significant reductions in the blood inflammatory factors IL1A, IL6, and uric acid, as well as downregulation of TGFB1, PTGS2, and MMP3 expression (p < 0.05), along with improvements in ankle joint swelling in GA mice. This drug combination notably enhances therapeutic outcomes in GA by targeting key genes, underscoring the potential of integrating traditional medicine with modern bioinformatics for effective disease treatment.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ЭКСТРАКТА TRIPTERYGIUM WILFORDII НА УРОВЕНЬ ЭКСПРЕССИИ ЯНУС КИНАЗЫ 1 В КУЛЬТУРЕ МОНОНУКЛЕАРНЫХ КЛЕТОК ЧЕЛОВЕКА

Background. Tripterygium wilfordii is one of the important components of traditional Chinese medicine. Modern research has revealed the anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and metabolism-regulating properties of this plant. Some components of Tripterygium wilfordii were obtained and chemically characterized. The molecular mechanisms of their action are under study. However, studies of Tripterygium wilfordii total extracts are still rare.Purpose. To examine the effect of Tripterygium wilfordii extract on JAK1-kinase expression and interleukin 6 production in human mononuclear cells. Materials and methods. The effect of different concentrations of Tripterygium wilfordii extract on the level of spontaneous and phytohemagglutinin-stimulated JAK-1 expression and interleukin 6 synthesis was determined in cell cultures from healthy donors. Results. The induction of JAK1-kinase expression was observed under the influence of PHA, the level of which significantly increased compared to the negative control. Using the extract at a concentration of 1 μg significantly reduced the level of the enzyme, a tendency to decrease when using lower concentrations was observed. However, these changes turned out to be statistically unreliable. The results obtained were positively correlated with changes in the synthesis of JAK1/JAK2-dependent interleukin 6. Conclusions. Tripterygium wilfordii extract has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the synthesis of in vitro Janus kinase 1 by human mononuclear cells, which correlates with inhibition of JAK1/JAK2-dependent interleukin 6 production.

Matching traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine-based research: Advanced nutraceutical development for proactive gastric cancer prevention.

Gastric cancer (GC), the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally, is complex and heterogeneous. This review explores multidisciplinary investigations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with Western medical practices, emphasizing the development of nutraceuticals for cancer prevention. Using advanced analytical chemistry and food chemistry techniques, this study investigated how TCM components may be optimized for nutraceutical development. Focusing on molecular interactions with GC pathways, particularly the NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, we examined the effects of TCM polyherbal formulas, extracts, and isolated compounds. These agents modulate apoptosis and cellular proliferation, underscoring their potential in preventive strategies. The convergence of nutraceutical and medicine food homology studies highlights a significant shift towards integrating TCM-derived compounds in a preventive health framework. This approach aims not only to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects but also to champion a preventive paradigm using personalized medicine to advance proactive health maintenance and disease prevention. The combination of TCM and western medical practices offers promising avenues for future research and practical applications in GC prevention.