Chinese Medicine Research Articles

Aromatherapy with tanxiang prescription for mild to moderate anxiety: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of Tanxiang Prescription (TXP) ointment for alleviating mild to moderate anxiety. Methods: A single-center pilot trial was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group received TXP treatment and health education, while the control group only received health education. The study evaluated the feasibility based on recruitment, retention, adherence, and adverse events. The primary outcome was assessed using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), while the secondary outcomes were evaluated using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Assessments were conducted at baseline, week 2, and week 4. Results: 58 participants were successfully enrolled, with 56 in all have finished whole research, which illustrating a recruitment rate of 33.7%, a randomization rate of 100%, and a loss rate of 3.57% in this study. No adverse events were observed. Both the experimental (n=29) and control (n=29) groups showed a significant decrease in SAS, SDS, and PSQI scores in comparison to their baseline scores at week 4 (P<0.05). Additionally, the experimental group showed significantly greater reductions in SAS, SDS, and PSQI scores than those in the control group at week 4 (P<0.05). Conclusions: TXP may be a promising treatment option for mild to moderate anxiety, offering a duel benefit of alleviating depression and promoting better sleep without any adverse effects. This study also references the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine aromatherapy for anxiety management. Further pharmacological and clinical studies are needed to observe the impact of TXP on emotional regulation in patients with anxiety.

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine regulating intestinal flora in the treatment of hypertension

Hypertension is a common disease; however, it is more prevalent in older adults, and its prevalence is increasing in younger populations. Numerous studies have revealed that hypertension and the composition and functionality of the intestinal flora are closely correlated. The balance of the intestinal flora, intestinal barrier integrity, and metabolite content of the intestinal flora play significant roles in the occurrence and progression of hypertension. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive review of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for hypertension, focusing on the role of the intestinal flora to understand the mechanism by which TCM regulates hypertension through its effects on the intestinal flora. We analyzed the findings using the terms “traditional Chinese medicine,” “hypertension,” “high blood pressure,” “blood pressure,” “intestinal flora,” “intestinal barrier function,” “intestinal flora metabolites,” and other keywords from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Chinese Science and Technology, Wanfang Data, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases. We found that TCM treats hypertension by regulating the balance of the intestinal microbiota, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria, improving intestinal barrier function, increasing compact proteins, reducing intestinal permeability, and regulating the content of intestinal flora metabolites. The use of TCM to treat hypertension by regulating the intestinal flora is a promising therapeutic strategy. However, most studies are limited by small sample sizes and there is a lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials. In the future, multi-center controlled clinical trials are needed to verify the efficacy and safety of TCM, optimize therapeutic protocols, and establish a foundation for the standardized and personalized application of TCM in hypertension management.

Phytoestrogens as Natural Anti-Aging Solutions for Enhanced Collagen Synthesis in Skin.

The dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic scaffold composed mainly of proteins, with collagen as the key structural component providing resilience and support to the skin. Post-menopause, declining estrogen levels lead to a significant reduction in skin health, notably a 30% decrease in collagen types I and III within 5 years. To discover natural extracts that stimulate collagen production. We utilized PathwayStudio to analyze protein-protein interactions and identify regulators of essential collagen types. Our study assessed Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract's ability to boost collagen production and enhance dermal density both invitro and invivo. PathwayStudio analysis highlighted phytoestrogens including glycyrrhizin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, liquiritin, and glabrol, as potential candidates. Liquorice rhizome (G. uralensis), used in traditional Chinese medicine, is rich in phytoestrogens like liquiritigenin. The G. uralensis extract increased collagen I and III gene expression and pro-collagen I protein levels in human dermal fibroblasts and inhibited UVB and pollution-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) production. In an invivo study, a topical formulation containing the extract significantly improved dermal density after 56 days, measured by the DUB SkinScanner. These findings suggest G. uralensis extract as a promising agent for enhancing collagen production and skin health, particularly in postmenopausal women. Further research is needed to explore its mechanisms and long-term effects.

Effectiveness of a BOPPPS Teaching Model in Standardized Training for Nephrology Resident Physicians: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Aims/Background Based on Bridge-in, Objective, Pre-assessment, Participatory learning, Post-assessment and Summary (BOPPPS), the teaching model has gained increasing attention in the field of medical education. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the BOPPPS teaching model in standardized training for nephrology residents, particularly in educating on hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods This retrospective cohort study included students undergoing standardized training in the nephrology department at the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2021 to 2024. The observation group (n = 55) received instructions using the BOPPPS teaching model, while the control group (n = 64) was educated using the traditional teaching methods. The study evaluated learning outcomes and teaching satisfaction through theoretical and practical assessments, as well as self-assessment by the students. Results The observation group demonstrated significantly higher scores in theoretical exams and practical assessments compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the observation group reported higher self-assessment scores (p < 0.05) and greater teaching satisfaction (p < 0.05) than the control group. Conclusion The BOPPPS teaching model is an effective approach to enhancing theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and teaching satisfaction in standardized training for nephrology residents. Compared to traditional teaching methods, the BOPPPS model improves learning outcomes, thereby strengthening the quality of medical education.

Large Language Models in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Scoping Review.

The application of large language models (LLMs) in medicine has received increasing attention, showing significant potential in teaching, research, and clinical practice, especially in knowledge extraction, management, and understanding. However, the use of LLMs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has not been thoroughly studied. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the status and challenges of LLM applications in TCM. A systematic search of five electronic databases and Google Scholar was conducted between November 2022 and April 2024, using the Arksey and O'Malley five-stage framework to identify relevant studies. Data from eligible studies were comprehensively extracted and organized to describe LLM applications in TCM and assess their performance accuracy. A total of 29 studies were identified: 24 peer-reviewed articles, 1 review, and 4 preprints. Two core application areas were found: the extraction, management, and understanding of TCM knowledge, and assisted diagnosis and treatment. LLMs developed specifically for TCM achieved 70% accuracy in the TCM Practitioner Exam, while general-purpose Chinese LLMs achieved 60% accuracy. Common international LLMs did not pass the exam. Models like EpidemicCHAT and MedChatZH, trained on customized TCM corpora, outperformed general LLMs in TCM consultation. Despite their potential, LLMs in TCM face challenges such as data quality and security issues, the specificity and complexity of TCM data, and the nonquantitative nature of TCM diagnosis and treatment. Future efforts should focus on interdisciplinary talent cultivation, enhanced data standardization and protection, and exploring LLM potential in multimodal interaction and intelligent diagnosis and treatment.

Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis of Institutional Research Partnerships in Complementary and Integrative Health: Identifying Barriers and Facilitators.

Objective: Collaboration between complementary and integrative health (CIH) institutions and research-intensive (R1) institutions has been successfully undertaken in the United States, resulting in federally funded research projects, educational programs, and faculty development. The aim of this cross-sectional survey study was to explore the barriers and facilitators to establishing and maintaining such collaborative partnerships. Methods: A 32-question survey was sent to participants recruited through author contacts and resources, literature review, and database searches. Participants were required to be researchers and affiliates who attempted, completed, or had current collaborative endeavors involving CIH and R1 institutions. Data were collected in the research electronic data capture (REDCap) system and descriptive quantitative and qualitative data analysis was undertaken. Results: A total of 26 unique entries were included in the final data analysis; four of which were paired entries (one from an R1 institution and one from a CIH institution) to make up two dyad data collections. Eighty-one percent of the participants had senior leadership roles at CIH institutions representing five CIH disciplines-East Asian medicine (acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine), chiropractic medicine, massage therapy, naturopathy, and yoga. Collaborative research projects were often (>38%) in response to specific project funding mechanisms. Over 60% of the collaborations also included educational activities and faculty development. Collaborations resulted in multiple different types of benefits to both institutions but were not without associated challenges. Conclusion: Collaborations between R1 and CIH institutions can be cooperative, productive, and mutually beneficial. Funding mechanisms supporting R1 and CIH collaboration increase CIH research productivity as well as the development of innovative research methodology to study the real-world practice of CIH therapies, whole systems, and whole person health. CIH researchers would greatly benefit from such funding, allowing access to research infrastructure, professional development, and the provision of protected time to conduct research.

Quercetin alleviates ulcerative colitis through inhibiting CXCL8-CXCR1/2 axis: a network and transcriptome analysis

IntroductionUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestinal tract in which mucosal healing is a crucial measure of therapeutic efficacy. Quercetin, a flavonoid prevalent in various foods and traditional Chinese medicines, exhibits notable pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Consequently, it warrants investigation to determine its potential therapeutic effects on UC. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of quercetin in a murine model of UC.MethodsA comprehensive approach integrating network predictions with transcriptomic analyses was employed to identify the potential targets and enriched pathways associated with quercetin in UC. Subsequently, the effects of quercetin on pathological morphology, inflammatory mediators, and mucosal barrier-associated proteins, as well as the identified potential targets and enriched pathways, were systematically investigated in a murine model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC.ResultsNetwork analyses identified CXCL8 and its receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, as primary target genes for therapeutic intervention in UC. Further validation through transcriptomic analysis and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated significant upregulation of the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 axis in the intestinal tissues of patients with UC. Experimental investigations in animal models have shown that quercetin markedly alleviates DSS-induced symptoms in mice. This effect includes the restoration of colonic crypt architecture, normalization of goblet cell structure and density, reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration, and decreased concentrations of inflammatory mediators. Quercetin enhanced the expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins, including ZO-1, MUC2 (Mucin 2), and occludin, thereby preserving the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Additionally, it significantly diminished the levels of IL-17A, NF-κB, CXCL8, CXCR1, and CXCR2 in the colonic tissues of mice with UC.DiscussionThe ameliorative effects of quercetin on colon tissue damage in DSS-induced UC mice were significant, possibly due to its ability to inhibit the CXCL8-CXCR1/2 signaling axis. These findings provide a solid foundation for the clinical application and pharmaceutical advancement of quercetin.

Synergistic combinations of Angelica sinensis for myocardial infarction treatment: network pharmacology and quadratic optimization approach

Background and aimAngelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (Danggui, DG), exhibits potential in myocardial infarction (MI) treatment. However, research on its synergistic combinations for cardioprotective effects has been limited owing to inadequate approaches.Experimental procedureWe identified certain phenolic acids and phthalein compounds in DG. Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation revealed the components that protected H9c2 cells and reduced lactate dehydrogenase levels. Subsequently, a combination of computational experimental strategies and a secondary phenotypic optimization platform was employed to identify effective component combinations with synergistic interactions. The Chou-Talalay and Zero Interaction Potency (ZIP) models were utilized to quantify the synergistic relationships. The optimal combination identified, Z-Ligustide and Chlorogenic acid (Z-LIG/CGA), was evaluated for its protective effects on cardiac function and cardiomyocytes apoptosis induced by inflammatory in a mouse model of induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Flow cytometry was further utilized to detect the polarization ratio of M1/M2 macrophages and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in serum was measured, assessing the inhibition of inflammatory responses and pro-inflammatory signaling factors by Z-LIG/CGA.Key resultsQuadratic surface analysis revealed that the Z-LIG/CGA combination displayed synergistic cardioprotective effects (combination index value <1; ZIP value >10). In vivo, Z-LIG/CGA significantly improved cardiac function and reduced the fibrotic area in mice post-MI, surpassing the results in groups treated with Z-LIG or CGA alone. Compared to the MI group, the Z-LIG/CGA group exhibited decreased ratios of the myocardial cell apoptosis-related proteins BAX/Bcl-2 and Cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 in mice. Further research revealed that Z-LIG/CGA treatment significantly increased IL-1R2 levels, significantly decreased IL-17RA levels, and inhibited the activation of p-STAT1, thereby alleviating cell apoptosis after MI. Additionally, the Z-LIG/CGA combination significantly inhibited the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages and suppressed the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α in the serum.Conclusion and implicationsWe successfully identified a synergistic drug combination, Z-LIG/CGA, which improves MI outcomes by inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory damage through modulating macrophage polarization and regulating the IL-1R2/IL-17RA/STAT1 signaling pathway. This study provides a charming paradigm to explore effective drug combinations in traditional Chinese medicine and a promising treatment for MI.

Exploration of the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome and traditional Chinese medicine intervention based on gut microbiota

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) represents a prevalent syndrome among various chronic kidney disease pathologies and is known for its higher severity and worse prognosis compared with chronic glomerulonephritis. Understanding its pathogenesis and identifying more effective treatment modalities have long been a concern of kidney specialists. With the introduction of the gut–kidney axis concept and the progress in omics technologies, alterations in the gut microbiota have been observed in primary and secondary NS. This link has been extensively researched in conditions such as diabetic nephropathy and immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. Thus, dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is seen as a crucial contributing factor in NS; however, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews that elucidate the changes in the gut microbiota across different NS conditions and that describe its mechanistic role in the disease. Moreover, serving as an innate regulator of the gut microbiota, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the potential to exert a profound impact on the expression of inflammation-promoting agents, decreasing the levels of endotoxins and uremic toxins. In addition, it strengthens the stability of the intestinal barrier while controlling the metabolic function of the body through its efficient modulation of the gut microbiota. This intricate process yields far-reaching consequences for NS.

Event II. The development of Eastern medicine in Russia in the 20th century. The contribution of scientists of the Saint Petersburg-Leningrad school

The article presents the history of the development of traditional oriental medicine in Russia and USSR in the 20th century. Information about Eastern medicine obtained in the 20th century thanks to the employees and doctors of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Beijing has been repeatedly analyzed and rethought. A great contribution to the understanding of Eastern methods of treatment was the translation of Zhud-shi made by P.A. Badmaev. At the beginning of the 20th century, V.V. Korsakov and Ya.A. Violin defended dissertations on Chinese medicine at the Military Medical Academy. In 1948, the outstanding Soviet scientist E.S. Vyazmensky created and defended his dissertation “Chinese Medicine. Its History and Theory in a Brief Essay.” This fundamental work influenced the further development of oriental medicine in the USSR. Having reworked it, the founder of the Gorky School of Reflexology V.G. Vogralik published the book “Essays on Chinese Medicine” by two authors. A contribution to the popularization of Eastern methods of treatment and disease prevention was made by the physician D.N. Stoyanovsky. Close cooperation Working partnership between the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China in the 1950s contributed to the development of traditional oriental medicine in the USSR. Doctors who studied the theory and practice of zhen-jiu in Beijing became leading researchers and founders of schools of acupuncture in their homeland. The foundation of the Leningrad School of Reflexology was laid by E.D. Tykochinskaya. Her endeavors were continued by A.T. Kachan, N.N. Bogdanov at the Leningrad State Institute for Advanced Medical Studies; V.V. Shapkin, M.M. Odinak — at the S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy; R.A. Aleksandrova, Yu.D. Ignatov, Yu.N. Vasiliev, D.A. Dubrovin — at the 1st Leningrad Medical Institute; G.A. Suslova — at the Leningrad Pediatric Medical Institute. In 1997, reflexology was approved as a separate specialty by order of the Russian Ministry of Health.

Tanshinone I improves renal fibrosis by promoting gluconeogenesis through upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α

Background Renal fibrosis, a hallmark of chronic kidney disease, is closely associated with dysregulated gluconeogenesis. Tanshinone I (Tan I), a bioactive compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Danshen, exhibits antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on gluconeogenesis and the mechanisms through which it alleviates renal fibrosis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether Tan I promotes gluconeogenesis and mitigates renal fibrosis. Methods Both in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted. A unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model was used. Masson’s trichrome, HE, and immunofluorescence staining, along with Western blotting, were employed. Lactate concentrations and a pyruvate tolerance test were conducted to assess glucose metabolism. In vitro, HK2 cells and primary renal tubular cells were treated with transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) to induce fibrosis, and the effects of Tan I on glucose and lactate levels were examined. Results In the UUO model, Tan I reduced fibrosis, decreased lactate accumulation, and modulated fibrosis markers while upregulating gluconeogenesis markers. Tanshinone I restored impaired renal gluconeogenesis, as evidenced by increased pyruvate levels. In vitro, Tan I inhibited fibrosis, reduced lactate levels, and increased glucose levels in cell supernatants. It also restored gluconeogenesis protein expression and decreased fibrotic protein levels. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC1α) expression was downregulated in UUO and TGFβ-stimulated models, and Tan I reversed this downregulation. Inhibition of PGC1α in TGFβ-stimulated cells counteracted the antifibrotic and gluconeogenesis-promoting effects of Tan I. Conclusions Tanshinone I ameliorated renal fibrosis by enhancing gluconeogenesis through upregulation of PGC1α.

Effect of Dendrobium nobile powder combined with conventional therapy on mild to moderate fatty liver.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a variety of liver conditions impacting individuals who consume minimal or no alcohol. Recently, traditional Chinese medicine has been gradually used to treat mild to moderate fatty liver, among which Dendrobium nobile Lindl. powder has been affirmed by many doctors and patients to be effective. However, there is limited research on combining this treatment with standard therapies for mild to moderate NAFLD. To survey the effect of combining Dendrobium nobile Lindl. powder with standard treatment on liver function and lipid metabolism disorder in patients with mild to moderate NAFLD. Eighty patients with mild to moderate NAFLD participated in this retrospective study, classified into two groups: The observation group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 40). In November 2020 and November 2022, the study was conducted at People's Hospital of Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area. The control group received standard treatment, while the observation group received Dendrobium nobile Lindl. powder based on the control group. The study compared differences in traditional Chinese medicine clinical syndrome scores, liver fibrosis treatment, liver function indicators, lipid levels, and serum inflammatory factor levels before and after treatment, and we calculated the incidence of adverse reactions for both groups. The total effective rate was 97.50% in the observation group and 72.5% in the control group. After 8 weeks of treatment, the main and secondary symptom scores remarkably decreased, especially in the observation group (P < 0.05), and there was a significant reduction in the serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), human rocollagen III (PC III), and collagen type IV (CIV). The levels of HA, LN, PC III, and CIV were significantly lower in the observation group (P < 0.05). After 8 weeks, both groups indicated remarkable improvements in liver function and blood lipid levels, with the observation group having even lower levels (P < 0.05). Serum levels of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-8 also dropped significantly. The observation group had a lower rate of adverse reactions (5.00%) compared to the control group (22.50%). Adding Dendrobium nobile Lindl. powder to standard treatment has been found to remarkably improve symptoms and reduce inflammation in patients with mild to moderate fatty liver disease. It also enhances hepatic function and lipid profile, ameliorates liver fibrosis indices, and lowers the risk of side effects. Consequently, this therapeutic protocol shows promise for clinical implementation and dissemination.

Comparative analysis of the therapeutic effect of traditional chinese medicine and western medicine on ROU

The prevalence of recurrent oral ulcer is as high as 50%. It is generally more prevalent in women than in men, and it typically occurs between the ages of 10 and 30. Surveys indicate that at least 10% to 25% of people have experienced this disease. This disease is characterized by cyclical, recurrent, self-limited symptoms of burning pain. Currently, there is no specific drug treatment available for recurrent oral ulcers, making it a major challenge in the academic field. This paper examines the efficacy of different medications in treating recurrent oral ulcers through literature review, data extraction, and quality evaluation. The study concludes that the most effective treatment approach is a combination of Chinese and Western medicine. The combination of Chinese and western medicine drugs has shown significant effects in reducing the recurrence rate of the disease, as well as improving oral flora and other aspects. Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of integrated Chinese and western medicine is considered to be superior.

Predicting the potential distribution of Astragali Radix in China under climate change adopting the MaxEnt model

IntroductionAstragali Radix is the dried root of Astragalus mongoliae or Astragalus membranaceus, a leguminous plant. Since ancient times, Astragali Radix has been widely used in Chinese traditional Chinese medicine. As people become more health-conscious, the market demand for Astragali Radix grows and its popularity is increasing in the international market. As an important medicinal plant, the growth of Astragali Radix is strongly influenced by environmental conditions. In order to meet the market demand for high quality Astragali Radix herbs, it is necessary to search and find areas suitable for the growth of Astragali Radix.MethodsIn this study, we assessed the potential impacts of climate change on the distribution of the Chinese medicinal plant Astragali Radix using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model in combination with a geographic information system(GIS). Distribution data and environmental variables were analyzed to predict suitable areas for Astragali Radix under the SSP126, SSP245 and SSP585 scenario for current and future (2041-2060, 2061-2080, 2081-2100). Jackknife is used to assess the importance of environmental variables, and environmental variables with a model contribution greater than 5% were considered to be the main drivers.ResultsThe results showed that the current area of suitable area for Astragali Radix is 188.41 km2, and the three climate scenarios show an increasing trend in the future, with a maximum of 212.70 km2. North China has always been the main suitable area, while the area of suitable area in Southwest China is decreasing, and Xinjiang will be developed as a new suitable area in the future. Annual precipitation (41.6%), elevation (15.9%), topsoil calcium carbonate (14.8%), annual mean temperature (8.3%), precipitation seasonality (8%) and topsoil pH (6%) contributed more to the model and were the main environmental influences on the distribution of Astragali Radix. In addition, the centroids of the suitable areas shifted northward under all three climate scenarios, indicating a migratory response to global warming.DiscussionOur study found that suitable area of Astragali Radix has been expanding for most of the time in each period of the three climate scenarios compared with the current situation. In the future, humans can focus on enhancing the cultivation techniques of Astragali Radix in these suitable areas. This study provide a scientific basis for the development of planting strategies and spatial distribution management of Astragali Radix. It helps to optimize the selection of planting areas and resource conservation of Chinese herbs.

A Comprehensive Review on the Chinese Herbal Medicine Quzhiqiao

Quzhiqiao is a Chinese herbal medicine widely used in Zhejiang Province of China, which originates from the cultivar Citrus aurantiun ‘Changshanhuyou’, named Changshanhuyou in Chinese. Citrus aurantiun ‘Changshanhuyou’ is a botanical variety of C. aurantium L., which is obtained after long-term domestication. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and mainly grows in Changshan County, Zhejiang Province, China. Quzhiqiao is an authentic Chinese medicinal material in the Zhejiang area with various pharmacological and curative effects. A comprehensive review and indepth analysis of scientific literature on Quzhiqiao was conducted, utilizing diverse electronic databases and additional sources. This review provides a comprehensive overview of its chemical components, standardized quality control, pharmacological activity, and mechanism of action, which also outlines future perspectives, highlighting the necessity for further research for harnessing the potential of the therapeutic use of Quzhiqiao.

Cutting-edge and topical issues in the treatment of breast cancer with traditional Chinese medicine based on CiteSpace bibliometric analysis.

Breast cancer poses a significant health threat to women, marked by high incidence and mortality rates. Although modern treatment primarily involves surgery and chemotherapy, which may reduce quality of life, limited analysis exists on the effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on this aspect. In this paper, bibliometric software was used to study the literature related to TCM in the treatment of breast cancer to provide researchers with new insights and directions for development. By using CiteSpace and VOSviewer, we conducted an analysis of literature on TCM in breast cancer treatment from the Web of Science Core Collection (2013-2023). The assessment encompassed countries, institutions, journals, authors, keywords, and references, providing a comprehensive overview of developments in the field. Analyzing 7419 articles, this study revealed an increasing trend in TCM research on breast cancer from 2013 to 2023. China and its institutions, particularly Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, made significant contributions. Liu Zhishun emerged as the most prolific author, while Y. Macpherson received the highest number of citations. The journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine received the highest number of citations. Research primarily centers on TCM approaches for enhancing breast cancer patients' quality of life and elucidating their underlying mechanisms. Numerous studies have investigated TCM in treating female breast cancer, revealing treatment trends, analyzing major research topics, currently focusing on acupuncture, breastfeeding, and TCM, which have a greater impact on positively ameliorating breast cancer. Influential authors and publications were also identified. These insights provide valuable guidance for future research, contributing to the foundation for developing effective TCM strategies for breast cancer.

Degenerative joint disease and Bi Syndrome: diagnostic bases and main integrative therapies in equine sports medicine

Chronic pain in horses is generally associated with diseases such as osteoarthritis and laminitis, characterized as chronic degenerative joint diseases. These consequently lead to reduced performance, early retirement and loss of animal welfare. According to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (MVTC), joint pain is characterized within the so-called Bi Syndrome, which relates to degenerative joint diseases. It is necessary, therefore, to recognize and evaluate pain aiming at the animals' quality of life and advances in the creation of diagnostic and anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapeutic possibilities in an integrative way. At MVTC, there are integrative techniques with significant potential to promote quality of life for these patients. Such therapies have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, are safe, without side effects, effective and easy to perform with adequate training. The objective of this review is to bring together the main bases for the integration of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in degenerative joint disease in equine sports medicine.

Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®): Current Developments, Applications, and Future Prospects

The human gastrointestinal microbiota plays a vital role in maintaining host health and preventing diseases, prompting the creation of simulators to replicate this intricate system. The Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®), a multicompartment dynamic simulator, has emerged as a pivotal in vitro model for studying the interactions and interferences within the human gut microbiota. The continuous and real-time monitoring hallmarks, along with the programmatically flexible setup, bestow SHIME® with the ability to mimic the entire human intestinal ecosystem with high dynamics and stability, allowing the evaluation of various treatments on the bowel microbiota in a controlled environment. This review outlines recent developments in SHIME® systems, including the M-SHIME®, Twin-SHIME®, Triple-SHIME®, and Toddle SHIME® models, highlighting their applications in the fields of food and nutritional science, drug development, gut health research, and traditional Chinese medicine. Additionally, the prospect of SHIME® integrating with other advanced technologies is also discussed. The findings underscore the versatility of SHIME® technology, demonstrating its significant contributions to current gut ecosystem research and its potential for future innovation in microbiome-related fields.

Efficacy and safety of TACE combined with traditional Chinese medicine versus TACE alone in hepatocellular carcinoma: bayesian network meta-analysis and pharmacological mechanisms study

Efficacy and safety of TACE combined with traditional Chinese medicine versus TACE alone in hepatocellular carcinoma: bayesian network meta-analysis and pharmacological mechanisms study

Anti‑proliferative effects of Drynaria fortunei in a model for triple negative breast cancer.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of hormones and growth factor receptors. It is typically responsive to anthracycline/taxol-based conventional chemotherapy. However, major therapeutic limitations include systemic toxicity and acquired resistance to chemotherapeutics. To combat this, nutritional herbs from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with limited reported toxicity may represent treatment alternatives for TNBC. Such herbs can effectively target multiple signaling pathways in numerous breast cancer models. The efficacy of various nutritional herbs in a cellular model of TNBC is associated with the downregulation of retinoblastoma (RB) signaling through the cyclin D-CDK4/6-RB axis. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the effects of Drynaria fortunei (DF) in the same cellular model of TNBC to identify potential mechanistic leads for its efficacy. DF is a nutritional herb that represents a common component of herbal formulations used in TCM. The estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma-derived cell line was used as the cellular model for TNBC in the present study. Non-fractionated aqueous extract from the bark of DF represented the test agent. Quantitative end-point biomarkers for the efficacy of DF assessed in the present study included cell cycle progression, RB signaling and caspase 3/7 activity. Treatment with DF at cytostatic concentration induced S phase cell cycle arrest and inhibited RB signaling as evidenced by the downregulated expression of cyclin E, CDK2, E2F1 and RB phosphorylation. DF treatment increased pro-apoptotic caspase 3/7 activity which was inhibited by the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. DF treatment also exhibited increased expression of cleaved ADP-ribose) polymerase-1. These data identify potential mechanistic leads for anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of DF in the present TNBC model. The present experiments validated a mechanism-driven experimental approach to identify efficacious nutritional herbs and/or their bioactive constituents as treatment alternatives for TNBC.