Separation, characterization and anti-psoriasis effect of self-assembled nanoparticles from Shaoyao Gancao Decoction / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to separate and characterize self-assembled nanoparticles(SAN) from Shaoyao Gancao Decoction(SGD) and determine the content of active compounds. Further, we aimed to observe the therapeutic effect of SGD-SAN on imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice. The separation of SGD was performed by dialysis, and the separation process was optimized by single factor experiment. The SGD-SAN isolated under the optimal process was characterized, and the content of gallic acid, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, liquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid in each part of SGD was determined by HPLC. In the animal experiment, mice were assigned into a normal group, a model group, a methotrexate group(0.001 g·kg~(-1)), and SGD, SGD sediment, SGD dialysate, and SGD-SAN groups of different doses(1, 2, and 4 g·kg~(-1)) respectively. The psoriasis grade of mice was evaluated based on the pathological changes of skin lesions, the content of inflammatory cytokines, organ index and other indicators. The results showed that SAN obtained by centrifugation at 13 000 r·min~(-1) for 30 min was stable after dialysis for 4 times, which were uniform spherical nanoparticles with the particle size of(164.43±1.34) nm, the polydispersity index of(0.28±0.05), and the Zeta potential of(-12.35±0.80) mV. The active compound content accounted for more than 70% of SGD. Compared with the model group, SAN and SGD decreased the skin lesion score, spleen index, and inflammatory cytokine levels(P<0.05 or P<0.01) and alleviated the skin thickening and infiltration of inflammatory cells. However, the sediment group and the dialysate group had no obvious effect. SGD showed a good therapeutic effect on imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice, and SAN demonstrated the effect equivalent to SGD in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, we conclude that the SAN formed during decocting is the main active form of SGD, which can lower the levels of inflammatory cytokines, promote the normal differentiation of keratinocytes, and reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the treatment of psoriasis lesions in mice.

Herbal Textual Research and Modern Research Progress of Succus Bambusae / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Succus Bambusae， regarded as the holy medicine for the treatment of phlegm by traditional Chinese medicine experts， has the functions of clearing heat and resolving phlegm， resuscitating and relieving convulsions. In clinical practice， it is mainly used to treat phlegm-heat cough， phlegm yellow and shortness of breath， stroke with exuberant phlegm and other syndromes. The research of its processing procedure and quality standard is the key issue to realize the process modernization and quality standardization of this traditional medicine resource. On the basis of literature research， this paper conducted the herbal textual research on Succus Bambusae， sorted out its medicinal history， and compared the advantages and disadvantages of its traditional and modern preparation procedure. Based on the historical records， it is pointed out that there are still many problems in the traditional and modern processing procedure of Succus Bambusae， such as low-yield processing procedure and extensive production technology that cannot meet the requirements of large-scale green manufacturing. At present， there are a lot of literature on the comparative study of the origin， variety and processing procedure of Succus Bambusae， but most of them are limited to the chemical components， and lack of in-depth study on its pharmacodynamic substance basis and mechanism. Meanwhile， the pharmacological effects of Succus Bambusae are mostly limited to antitussive and expectorant， and few other pharmacological effects have been reported. Based on the above analysis， it is suggested that the follow-up research work can be carried out from these five aspects：①Clarifying the original source， enriching and perfecting the medicinal resources. ②Standardizing the processing procedure， establishing relevant quality standards. ③Clarifying the pharmacological mechanism， strengthening the basic research on the pharmacological effect and clinical application. ④Inheriting ancient processing， researching and developing special preparation equipment and standardizing production operation rules. ⑤Comprehensive utilization of the by-products in preparation process.

Research progress of plant-derived vesicles and their biomedical applications / 药学学报

Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous vesicles secreted by plants, which include lipid bilayer as the basic framework and encapsulate various proteins, nucleic acid and other active substances. They play an important role in plant growth and development, tissue repair and self-defense. In recent years, extracellular vesicle-like nanoparticles (EVNs) are prepared from plant samples referring to the separation method of EVs and show unique functions. In this review, the above structures are collectively called plant-derived vesicles (PDVs). The biogenesis, separation and characterization methods, in vivo and in vitro properties of PDVs have been reviewed. The biomedical applications of PDVs as natural therapeutic agents and functional drug carriers are described, and finally some opinions on the existing problems and future prospect in this field are put forward.

High-speed identification of odor changes and substance basis of Myristicae Semen mildew by electronic nose and HS-GC-MS / 中国中药杂志

This study adopted headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) and electronic nose to detect volatile components from Myristicae Semen samples with varying degrees of mildew, aiming at rapidly identifying odor changes and substance basis of Myristicae Semen mildew. The experimental data were analyzed by electronic nose and principal component analysis(PCA). The results showed that Myristicae Semen samples were divided into the following three categories by electronic nose and PCA: mildew-free samples, slightly mildewy samples, and mildewy samples. Myristicae Semen samples with different degrees of mildew greatly varied in volatile components. The volatile components in the samples were qualitatively and quantitatively detected by HS-GC-MS, and 59 compounds were obtained. There were significant differences in the composition and content in Myristicae Semen samples with different degrees of mildew. The PCA results were the same as those by electronic nose. Among them, 3-crene, D-limonene, and other terpenes were important indicators for the identification of mildew. Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, 4-methylene-1-(1-methylethyl)-, terpinen-4-ol, and other alcohols were key substances to distinguish the degree of mildew. In the later stage of mildew, Myristicae Semen produced a small amount of hydroxyl and aldehyde compounds such as acetaldehyde, 2-methyl-propionaldehyde, 2-methyl-butyraldehyde, and formic acid, which were deduced as the material basis of the mildew. The results are expected to provide a basis for the rapid identification of Myristicae Semen with different degrees of mildew, odor changes, and the substance basis of mildew.

Application and Thanking of Chinese Medicine Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） has the characteristics of multiple ingredients, multiple targets, and complex action pathways. Under the guidance of the holistic view and syndrome differentiation treatment, TCM and its compound have great advantages in the treatment of diseases, and its material basis and molecular mechanism of action is not clear, so there are great challenges in the research of TCM. Network pharmacology has become a new research method and technical means for the modernization of TCM. It is a research discipline derived from the study of the mechanism of TCM treatment of diseases with multi-component drugs and multiple targets under the guidance of system biology theory. It conforms to the systematic and holistic thinking mode of Chinese medicine. At present, there have been many researches on the application of Internet pharmacology in Chinese medicine, including the research on the basis and mechanism of the Chinese medicine single drug, drug pair and compound pharmacodynamics, the methods and applications of Internet pharmacology for Chinese medicine research application of combining pharmacology with other technologies. However, the rapid data update, the emergence of new databases, the types of algorithms and the use of tools have made the development of network pharmacology too fast. People have neglected to update the databases, tools and algorithms and compare the advantages of each database. This article summarizes and compares the database, tools and algorithms of the network pharmacology in the past three years, and describes the network through the substance basis of TCM, the pharmacological mechanism of TCM, the development of new drugs, the quality control of TCM, and the formulating rules of TCM. The application and problems of pharmacology in the field of TCM are expected to provide a reference for the research and application of network pharmacology in TCM.

Efficacy and Material Basis of Shuangjin Sanjie Granules in Treatment on Hyperplasia of Mammary Gland / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:The SD rat model of hyperplasia of mammary gland（HMG） and the ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS) technology were used to explore the pharmacological material basis of Shuangjin Sanjie granules (SJSJG) for the treatment on HMG.Method:SD rat models of HMG were administered in groups, and the nipple height and the diameter were measured; the levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and prolactin (PRL) in serum were detected, pathological examination was conducted for the hyperplasia of breast tissue. Histochemical methods were used to detect the expressions of estrogen receptor α (ERα), androgen receptor (AR), progesterone receptor (PR), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) proteins. Finally, UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS technology was used to detect the main chemical constituents of SJSJG, and the pharmacodynamic substance basis was analyzed based on the pharmacological effect.Result:The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the normal group, nipple height and diameter of the model group increased remarkably (P<0.01), serum E2 significantly increased (P<0.01). Pathological examination showed abnormal hyperplasia of breast tissue， expressions of ERα, AR, PR and TNF-α increased， compared with the model group, the nipple height and diameter of the SJSJG group decreased remarkably (P<0.01), serum E2 was decreased significantly (P<0.01)， pathological examination showed weakened abnormal hyperplasia of breast tissue, ERα, AR, PR and TNF-α protein expressions were significant decreased (P<0.01). The results of basic material study showed that 85 chemical components were identified from SJSJG, including 16 alkaloids, 7 flavonoids, 15 terpenes, 9 phenolic acid compounds, 3 coumarin compounds, 10 esters and lactone compounds, 7 fatty acids compounds, 4 amino acids compounds, and 14 other types of ingredients， among them, alkaloids and terpenoids chemical drug substances were closely related.Conclusion:SJSJG can effectively improve the condition of breast hyperplasia, and its medicinal substance basis may include saikosaponin A, Saikosaponin D, verticinone, peimine.

Research progress on pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological action mechanism of Kai-Xin-San / 中草药

Kai-Xin-San (KXS) is a well-known formula that was first recorded in an ancient Chinese book "Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency" by Si-miao Sun from the Tang Dynasty. KXS is composed of Panax ginseng, Poria cocos, Polygala tenuifolia, and Acorus tatarinowii at a ratio of 3:3:2:2. The material basis of the pharmacological action of KXS is mainly related to ginsenosides, polygala saponins, polygala oligosaccharide esters, and polygalactone. However, the active components of P. tenuifolia and A. tatarinowii are less studied, and the research scope is limited. The pharmacological researches of KXS are mainly focused on antidepressant effect, antisenile dementia, improving learning and memory ability, antifatigue, and sedation. The mechanisms involved include nervous system, immune system and endocrine system. The material basis, pharmacological effects and known mechanisms of KXS are systematically described in this paper in order to provide some ideas for the clinical application of KXS in the future.

Membrane permeability evaluation method of oral drugs and their application progress in Chinese materia medica / 中草药

Chinese materia medica is mostly taken orally. The permeability of a drug’s biofilm (e.g. cell membrane) reflects its ability of absorption and transportation in the body. It is of guiding significance to evaluate the membrane permeability of the active components of Chinese materia medica by using appropriate drug permeation model, so as to clarify, the oral absorption and transport mechanism of active ingredients, pharmacodynamic substance basis and dosage form design. The evaluation method of oral drug membrane permeability, as well as the application of various methods in Chinese medicine was summarized for reference in this review.

Exploration and review on substance basis responsible for "Xuanfa" and its biological mechanisms about "Zhijie" / 中草药

Although the basic theory of "Xuanfa Sujiang" has been generally accepted by Chinese medicine practitioners, it is still controversial that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory is combined with modern biology and interpreted by modern science. Based on relevant classical theories, prescriptions, pharmacological substance basis and biological mechanism, we put forward the following points in this paper: The effect and function of "Feiqi" governing organ movement depends on the difference about subtype or expression of adrenergic receptors on the post ganglionic fibers dominated autonomic effector. Coincidentally, TCM theory selected different types of natural effective molecules, such as phenylethylamine and its derivatived alkaloid, to achieve a good sympathetic regulation, and just meet the different needs of clinical treatment; The β-AR/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway is the core pathways for positive regulation; The concept of the "Zhijie" is closely related to the balance of myosin light chain phosphorylation and dephosphorylation levels; Prescription compatibility can effectively enhance the crosstalk between adrenergic receptor-related multiple signal pathways, and reflect the advantages of TCM for complex diseases treatment by multi-ingredients and multi-targets.

Bioactivity guide isolation of anti-renin constituents from Trichosanthis Pericarpium / 中草药

Objective To isolate anti-renin constituents from Trichosanthis Pericarpium based on bioactivity tracking separation. Methods T. Pericarpium was extracted with boiling water and precipitated by ethanol, the supernate was collected and dialyzed, and the retentate was lyophilized giving GLP, then successively separated by DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow anion-exchange and Superdex-75 gel permeation chromatographic steps, to give GLP-5-1. A combination of HPGPC, monosaccharide composition, and anti-renin studies was performed to investigate the structure and bioactivity. Results An anti-renin polysaccharide, GLP-5-1, was obtained from T. Pericarpium based on activity tracking, the average molecular weight was estimated to 3 722, monosaccharide composition analysis showed GLP-5-1 contained arabinose, mannose, glucose, and galactose with the ratio of 5.5:4.4:6.9:10.0. GLP-5-1 showed potent anti-renin effect with the IC50 was (87.4 ± 6.8) μg/mL. Conclusion In this study, a low molecular weight polysaccharide with anti-renin effect was isolated from T. Pericarpium, which could lay the foundation for the substance basis study of T. Pericarpium.

Modern biological thinking about visceral manifestation theory on lung governing ascent and pharmacodynamic substance based on adrenergic receptor / 中草药

Visceral manifestation theory is that lung dominates Qi, breath, and governs ascent and dispersion. How to combine the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the modern physiology and pathology in modern scientific interpretation has been the focus of attention. Previous study found that most of the ventilating lung and releasing exterior drugs contained the pharmacodynamic substance related to adrenergic receptor (AR) signal transduction. The connotation of "lung governing ascent", such as controlling breath movement, transferring nutrients, spreading heat to regulate temperature, helping the heart to control blood circulation, coincided with the physiological function of the organ dominated by the AR-regulated sympathetic postganglionic fibers. Therefore, the hypothesis of "lung governing ascent" is closely related to AR pathway signal transduction. The correlation between the molecular mechanism of the modern physiology and pathology and pharmacodynamic substance basis was evaluated and expounded by the deduction of pulmonary modern biological theory based on ventilating lung and releasing exterior in this paper. So the guidance on the theory of visceral manifestation in TCM for the research and development of modern drugs should be expected fully. Ultimately, the application of lung governing ascent principle will be a profound meaning to guide the prevention and clinical treatment for a variety of refractory diseases caused by the change of environment, climate or lifestyle.

Bioethnopharmaceutical analytical pharmacology:a strategy for elucidating ethnoherbal absorbed bioactive compounds / 中草药

To review the background and advance of a strategy of bioethnopharmaceutical analytical pharmacology(BAP).BAP is an idea for elucidating absorbed bioactive compound(ABC)in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formula or herbal remedy.It is also a mode of active comparison between absorbed compounds and the parent formula including determination of ABC in blood,the ABC dosage identical to its content in formula,and the active comparison of ABC and the parent formula.The ABC of Guan-Xin-Er-Hao formula elucidated by BAP strategy has been reviewed and the significance of BAP strategy will be further discussed.