Lingguizhugan Decoction Improved Obesity by Modulating the Gut Microbiota and its Metabolites in Mice.

BACKGROUND: The global obese population is rapidly increasing, urgently requiring the development of effective and safe weight-loss medications. The classic Chinese medicine formulation Lingguizhugan De-coction has exerted a significant anti-obesity effect. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the mechanism of LGZGD in the treatment of obesity based on the gut microbiota and its metabolites. METHODS: Three different dosages of LGZGD were gavaged to ob/ob mice for 8 weeks. Body mass and visceral fat mass were evaluated. Additionally, the changes in gut microbiota, fecal and plasma metabolites in mice after LGZGD treatment were analyzed by metagenomics and non-targeted metabolomics. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a significant anti-obesity effect of LGZGD treatment in ob/ob mice. Fur-thermore, the metagenomic analysis revealed that LGZGD reduced the ratio of Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes (F to B) in the gut, restored gut microbiota diversity, and identified 3 enriched KEGG pathways, including energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, and energy production and conversion pathways. Based on non-targeted metab-olomics analysis, 20 key metabolites in the feces and 30 key metabolites in the plasma responding to LGZGD treatment were identified, and the levels of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Myristoleic acid (MA) might be the metabolites related to gut microbiota after LGZGD treatment. Their biological functions were mainly re-lated to the metabolism pathway. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that LGZGD had therapeutic potential for obesity. The mechanism of LGZGD alleviating obesity was associated with improving dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. LDZGD affected gut microbiota-derived metabolites of EPA and MA and may act on energy metabolism pathways.

The original scores of traditional Chinese medicine constitutions are risk and diagnostic factors in middle-aged and older adults with sarcopenia.

Objective: Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome that occurs with age and is characterized by a gradual decline in muscle mass, power, and functionality. It serves as a prominent contributor to frailty, disability, and mortality among older individuals. Currently, no standardized global guidelines exist for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. This study aimed to establish the correlation between sarcopenia and the constitutions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), considering the connection between physical functioning and sarcopenia. Methods: A total of 1441 participants in this study were diagnosed with sarcopenia. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) proposed a sarcopenia definition algorithm. To determine the constitution of each participant, classification and determination standards were used in traditional Chinese medicine. This study evaluated the demographics, lifestyles, and self-reported medical history of individuals diagnosed with sarcopenia through a self-administered questionnaire. The constitution of the participants was determined using TCM classification and determination standards. Subsequently, we analyzed the results of univariate analysis and multivariate regression and constructed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Participants who were diagnosed with sarcopenia had substantially lower original Neutral constitution scores (P < 0.050). In comparison to those without sarcopenia, individuals with sarcopenia exhibited notably elevated original Qi-deficiency, Yang-deficiency, Yin-deficiency, Blood-stagnation, and Qi-stagnation scores in contrast to those in the healthy group (P < 0.050). The identified risk factors associated with sarcopenia included the following: Neutral (OR = 0.903), Qi-deficiency (in males, OR = 1.126), Yang-deficiency (OR = 1.062), Phlegm-dampness (in males, OR = 0.833), and Blood-stagnation (in females, OR = 1.089). The highest area under the curve (AUC) was observed for the original neutral constitution score, followed by the Yang-deficiency and blood-stagnation scores (0.644, 0.613, and 0.611, respectively). Additionally, the AUC for the combined original scores of all nine constitutions among males reached 0.778. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study of older people with higher original Qi-deficiency, Yin deficiency, Yang-deficiency, Blood-stagnation, and Qi-stagnation were associated with sarcopenia. Notably, various TCM constitutions are significantly linked to sarcopenia. There was a significant occurrence of various body constitution types among individuals diagnosed with sarcopenia. The mixture of the nine original constitution scores exhibited good diagnostic performance for sarcopenia in males.

Naoxintong capsule for treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: from bench to bedside.

Naoxintong Capsule (NXT), a renowned traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation, has been broadly applied in China for more than 30 years. Over decades, accumulating evidences have proven satisfactory efficacy and safety of NXT in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD). Studies have been conducted unceasingly, while this growing latest knowledge of NXT has not yet been interpreted properly and summarized comprehensively. Hence, we systematically review the advancements in NXT research, from its chemical constituents, quality control, pharmacokinetics, to its profound pharmacological activities as well as its clinical applications in CCVD. Moreover, we further propose specific challenges for its future perspectives: 1) to precisely clarify bioactivities of single compound in complicated mixtures; 2) to evaluate the pharmacokinetic behaviors of NXT feature components in clinical studies, especially drug-drug interactions in CCVD patients; 3) to explore and validate its multi-target mechanisms by integrating multi-omics technologies; 4) to re-evaluate the safety and efficacy of NXT by carrying out large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials. In brief, this review aims to straighten out a paradigm for TCM modernization, which help to contribute NXT as a piece of Chinese Wisdom into the advanced intervention strategy for CCVD therapy.

A review regarding the article 'Traditional Chinese medicine compound (Tongxinluo) and clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction the CTS-AMI randomized clinical trial'.

Tongxinluo, a traditional Chinese medicine compound, has shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the efficacy of Tongxinluo in reducing major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in STEMI patients. The study enrolled 3777 patients from 124 hospitals in China, all of whom received standard STEMI treatments in addition to either Tongxinluo or placebo for 12 months. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of MACCEs at 30 days, with secondary endpoints including individual components of MACCEs, severe STEMI complications, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality at 1 yr. Results showed that Tongxinluo significantly reduced the 30-day MACCE rate compared to placebo (3.4 % vs 5.2 %), and this benefit persisted at 1 year (5.3 % vs 8.3 %). Cardiac death and myocardial reinfarction rates were also significantly lower in the Tongxinluo group. These findings underscore the importance of integrating traditional Chinese medicine with conventional Western medical treatments, providing significant evidence to support the development of evidence-based practices in traditional Chinese medicine. This study represents a pivotal advancement in the field of TCM, demonstrating its potential to contribute meaningfully to modern clinical practice and highlighting the necessity for further high-quality research in this area.

Exploration into the Mechanism of Yiyi Baijiang Decoction Attenuating Chronic Pelvic Inflammation Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification.

Patients with chronic pelvic inflammation (CPI) experience irregular menstrual, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Yiyi Baijiang Decoction attenuates CPI in patients with uncovered mechanisms. CPI therapeutic targets intersected with those of Yiyi Baijiang Decoction, followed by importing into STRING to obtain protein-target interaction. "Drug-component-disease-target" interaction was constructed by Cytoscape. mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. Yiyi Baijiang Decoction contained 199 active ingredients. There were 1071 drug targets for Yiyi Baijiang Decoction and 1622 therapeutic targets for CPI. The GO functional enrichment analysis revealed 3445 biological processes, and the KEGG pathway enrichment analysis screened 67 signal pathways. Decreased ALB, increased protein kinase B (AKT1), interleukin (IL)-6, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K/AKT)-extracellular-regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2 activation in CPI mice were abolished by Yiyi Baijiang Decoction. Yiyi Baijiang Decoction attenuates CPI by inactivating PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 and regulating ALB, VEGFA, AKT1, and IL-6.

Pioneering Data Processing for Convolutional Neural Networks to Enhance the Diagnostic Accuracy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pulse Diagnosis for Diabetes.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has relied on pulse diagnosis as a cornerstone of healthcare assessment for thousands of years. Despite its long history and widespread use, TCM pulse diagnosis has faced challenges in terms of diagnostic accuracy and consistency due to its dependence on subjective interpretation and theoretical analysis. This study introduces an approach to enhance the accuracy of TCM pulse diagnosis for diabetes by leveraging the power of deep learning algorithms, specifically LeNet and ResNet models, for pulse waveform analysis. LeNet and ResNet models were applied to analyze TCM pulse waveforms using a diverse dataset comprising both healthy individuals and patients with diabetes. The integration of these advanced algorithms with modern TCM pulse measurement instruments shows great promise in reducing practitioner-dependent variability and improving the reliability of diagnoses. This research bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology in healthcare. LeNet-F, incorporating special feature extraction of a pulse based on TMC, showed improved training and test accuracies (73% and 67%, respectively, compared with LeNet's 70% and 65%). Moreover, ResNet models consistently outperformed LeNet, with ResNet18-F achieving the highest accuracy (82%) in training and 74% in testing. The advanced preprocessing techniques and additional features contribute significantly to ResNet18-F's superior performance, indicating the importance of feature engineering strategies. Furthermore, the study identifies potential avenues for future research, including optimizing preprocessing techniques to handle pulse waveform variations and noise levels, integrating additional time-frequency domain features, developing domain-specific feature selection algorithms, and expanding the scope to other diseases. These advancements aim to refine traditional Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis, enhancing its accuracy and reliability while integrating it into modern technology for more effective healthcare approaches.

Research progress of nano-delivery systems for the active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years in China, characterizing with novel pharmacological mechanisms, low toxicity, and limited side effects. However, the application of TCM active ingredients is often hindered by their physical and chemical properties, including poor solubility, low bioavailability, short half-life, toxic side effects within therapeutic doses, and instability in biological environments. Consequently, an increasing number of researchers are directing their attention towards the discovery of nano-delivery systems for TCM to overcome these clinical challenges. OBJECTIVES: This review aims to provide the latest knowledge and results concerning the studies on the nano-delivery systems for the active ingredients from TCM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recent literature relating to nano-delivery systems for the active ingredients from TCM is summarized to provide a fundamental understanding of how such systems can enhance the application of phytochemicals. RESULTS: The nano-delivery systems of six types of TCM monomers are summarized and categorized based on the skeletal structure of the natural compounds. These categories include terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones, polyphenols, and polysaccharides. The paper analyzes the characteristics, types, materials used, and the efficacy achieved by TCM-nano systems. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of nano-drug delivery systems for TCM are summarized in this paper. CONCLUSION: Nano-delivery systems represent a promising approach to overcoming clinical obstacles stemming from the physical and chemical properties of TCM active ingredients, thereby enhancing their clinical efficacy.

Network pharmacology to explore the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ground glass nodules.

Background: Ground glass nodules (GGNs) in the lung are considered to be a high-risk factor of lung adenocarcinoma. Immediate surgery is not recommended for GGNs patients, and low-dose computed tomography (CT) is often used for observation and follow-up, which brings high psychological and economic burden to the patient. Methods: Three traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for the treatment of GGNs were found through database including PubMed, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Scopus and so on. The possible targets of the active ingredients of the TCM preparations and the gene targets of GGNs were screened out from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP), UniProt and GeneCards. Network visualization was realized via STRING, Cytoscape 3.7.2, Evenn, DAVID and Hiplot. Finally, molecular docking Vina and PyMOL software were performed to further explore the possibility of drug-target interactions using PubChem compounds, protein data bank (PDB) database, Autodocktools and Autodock. Results: Three TCM preparations could target the same 13 potential therapeutic targets in GGNs. From network pharmacology, 14 signaling pathways, the functions of the significant targets, an effective ingredient in TCM prescriptions and its functions were obtained. Conclusions: Chinese herbal formulas containing quercetin could be a potential treatment for GGNs, targeting C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) through the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and leukocyte transendothelial migration.

Effectiveness of traditional chinese medicine (TCM) exercise therapy intervention on the cognitive function in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: There exists a deficiency in a distinct understanding of the intervention effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) exercise therapies (Tai Chi, Yi Jin Jing, Ba Duan Jin, Liu Zi Jue, Qigong, Wu Qin Xi etc.) on cognitive function and its moderating variables in the elderly. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of TCM exercise therapies on the cognitive function of the elderly and further propose the best exercise intervention programme to delay the cognitive decline of the elderly. METHODS: PubMed, EBSCO host, Web of Science, EMbase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wan Fang databases were searched for the effects of TCM exercise therapies on the cognitive function in older adults until July 2022. A meta-analysis of the included literature was performed using Stata 12.0 software, with a subgroup analysis of seven moderating variables: subject type, intervention content, intervention duration, intervention frequency, intervention period, study type and sample size. A random effects model was used to combine the overall effect sizes and to test for heterogeneity and publication bias across studies. RESULTS: A total of 20 publications with 1975 subjects were included. The TCM exercise therapies delayed cognitive decline in older adults (d = 0.83; 95 % CI [0.62-1.04]; P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis found that intervention content, intervention duration, intervention frequency, and intervention period were significant moderating variables influencing the effectiveness of the intervention. Among them, the Ba Duan Jin intervention (d = 0.85; 95 % CI [0.65-1.06]; P < 0.001), the duration of each exercise session of 60 min or more (d = 0.86; 95 % CI [0.71-1.00]; P < 0.001), the frequency of exercise of more than 5 times per week (d = 0.80; 95 % CI [0.64-0.96]; P < 0.001) and exercise cycles of 6-9 months (d = 0.96; 95 % CI [0.80-1.12]; P < 0.001) produced the largest effect sizes. CONCLUSION: TCM exercise therapies can effectively improve the cognitive function of the elderly. The best effect on the cognitive function of the elderly was achieved by choosing Ba Duan Jin and exercising at least five times a week for at least 60 min each time for a total of 6-9 months. The effect size of the TCM exercise therapy interventions on the cognitive function in older adults may be overestimated because of publication bias. In addition, large-sample, multicenter, high-quality randomised controlled trials should be conducted to validate this result.

N1F(Improved-Nephropathy 1 Formula) Ameliorates Renal Interstitial Fibrosis via Inhibiting Extracellular Matrix Deposition and Regulating the FGF23/P38MAPK/Wnt Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Renal fibrosis is the primary pathway in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) towards end-stage renal failure. The currently used drugs currently are ineffective, and their mechanisms of action remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the nephroprotective effect of Improved-Nephropathy 1 Formula (N1F) in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and explore the potential mechanisms of N1F-containing serum in treating TGF-ß1-induced human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). METHODS: SD rats received 2-week continuous N1F gavage starting on day 2 after UUO. HK-2 cells were pretreated with a P38MAPK inhibitor for 1 h in vitro, followed by induction of the cells with TGF-ß1 and treatment with N1F 48 h later. The chemical composition of N1F was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-Q-Orbitrap high-resolution liquid mass spectrometry. Renal function was assessed by measuring serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and urine protein (Upro) levels. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome (Masson) staining were used to evaluate the extent of renal tissue damage and fibrosis. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein levels of relevant indices. The RNA levels of the relevant indices were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). RESULTS: We identified 361 chemical components in the water extract of N1F. These chemical components of N1F significantly reduced the area associated with interstitial fibrosis in the kidneys of UUO rats and the levels of serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and urinary protein. Additionally, N1F decreased the protein levels of FGF23, Wnt1, ß-catenin and p-P38MAPK/P38MAPK, along with the expression of renalfibrosis-associated proteins, α-SMA, FN, Collagen III, and Vimentin in the renal tissues of the UUO rats, while enhancing klotho and DKK1 protein levels. In vitro experiments revealed that inhibition of P38MAPK signaling significantly suppressed the expression of proteins related to the Wnt signaling pathway, with a concomitant decrease in the expression of FGF23 and an increase in the expression of Klotho. Notably, the P38MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) had similar effects to N1F in altering the above-mentioned indices in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: N1F may exhibit potential therapeutic efficacy against renal fibrosis by inhibiting the FGF23/P38MAPK/Wnt signaling pathway, consequently inhibiting extracellular matrix deposition due to renal injury.

Efficacy of Danzhixiaoyao tablets combined with methylcobalamin tablets in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: an open-label, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy and tolerability of danzhixiaoyao pills in the accurate treatment of patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). METHOD: Collect a total of 78 patients (75 female patients and 3 male patients) from the oral mucosa department who were considered eligible fromOctober 2020 to October 2022.The patients were randomized and divided into trial group and control group.The trail group received danzhixiaoyao pills and mecobalamine tablets while the control group was given mecobalamine tablets.The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Beck Anxiety Inventory(BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome integral and adverse reactions were performed at baseline and after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment. Descriptive statistics, including the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and the Chi-square test for median comparisons between different times, were used. RESULT: 1.After treatment, the VAS, BDI,OHIP-14, and TCM syndrome integral in the trial group had a significant decrease than the control group(P< 0.05).However, there was no statistical difference in the BAI scores between the two groups (P> 0.05). 2.According to the efficacy determination criteria , the total effective rate of the test group was 73.68% , the control group was 52.94% and the recurrence rate was 0. There was a significant difference between the two groups (Z=-2.688, P < 0.05). The results showed that the curative effect of test group was better than that of control group.3. No adverse effects occurred in patients in either group. CONCLUSION: Danzhixiaoyao pills has demonstrated to have a positive effect in relieving BMS symptoms and in improving a patient's overall quality of life with no AEs compared with the control group. The efficacy evaluation systems that can be verified and complementary in this study provide a perfect, effective and referential evaluation system for the use of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of oral mucosal diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry name: Chinese Clinical trail Registry Registration number: ChiCTR2000038189 Date of Registration: 2020-09-13 Please visit ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=61462 ) to the protocol.

Mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi, HQ) for treatment of heart failure based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Heart failure is a leading cause of death in the elderly. Traditional Chinese medicine, a verified alternative therapeutic regimen, has been used to treat heart failure, which is less expensive and has fewer adverse effects. In this study, a total of 15 active ingredients of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi, HQ) were obtained; among them, Isorhamnetin, Quercetin, Calycosin, Formononetin, and Kaempferol were found to be linked to heart failure. Ang II significantly enlarged the cell size of cardiomyocytes, which could be partially reduced by Quercetin, Isorhamnetin, Calycosin, Kaempferol, or Formononetin. Ang II significantly up-regulated ANP, BNP, ß-MHC, and CTGF expressions, whereas Quercetin, Isorhamnetin, Calycosin, Kaempferol or Formononetin treatment partially downregulated ANP, BNP, ß-MHC and CTGF expressions. Five active ingredients of HQ attenuated inflammation in Ang II-induced cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-18 and IL-6. Molecular docking shows Isorhamnetin, Quercetin, Calycosin, Formononetin and Kaempferol can bind with its target protein ESR1 in a good bond by intermolecular force. Quercetin, Calycosin, Kaempferol or Formononetin treatment promoted the expression levels of ESR1 and phosphorylated ESR1 in Ang II-stimulated cardiomyocytes; however, Isorhamnetin treatment had no effect on ESR1 and phosphorylated ESR1 expression levels. In conclusion, our results comprehensively illustrated the bioactives, potential targets, and molecular mechanism of HQ against heart failure. Isorhamnetin, Quercetin, Calycosin, Formononetin and Kaempferol might be the primary active ingredients of HQ, dominating its cardioprotective effects against heart failure through regulating ESR1 expression, which provided a basis for the clinical application of HQ to regulate cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

Revisiting Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong during the Influenza Epidemics in the 1950s and 1960s.

This paper examines the supply and utilization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Hong Kong during the influenza epidemics of the 1950s and 1960s. Existing narratives of TCM in Hong Kong have predominantly framed with within the dichotomy of Western medicine "Xiyi" and Chinese medicine "Zhongyi," portraying TCM as marginalized and nearly wiped out by colonial power. Departing from this binary opposition, this study views TCM as an autonomous space that had never been subjugated by the colonial power which opted for minimal interventionist approach toward TCM. By adopting diachronic and synchronic perspectives on Hong Kong's unique environment shaped by its colonial history and the geopolitics of the Cold War in East Asia, particularly its relationships with "China," this research seeks to reassess the role and status of TCM in post-World War II Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, along with other countries in East Asia, traditional medicine has ceded its position as mainstream medicine to Western medicine. Faced with the crisis of "extinction," Chinese medical professionals, including medical practitioners and merchant groups, persistently sought solidarity and "self-renewal." In the 1950s and 1960s, the colonial authorities heavily relied on private entities, including charity hospitals and clinics; furthermore, there was a lack of provision of public healthcare and official prevention measures against the epidemic influenza. As such, it is not surprising that the Chinese utilized TCM, along with Western medicine, to contain the epidemics which brought about an explosive surge in the number of patients from novel influenza viruses. TCM was significantly consumed during these explosive outbreaks of influenza in 1957 and 1968. In making this argument, this paper firstly provides an overview of the associations of Chinese medical practitioners and merchants who were crucial to the development of TCM in Hong Kong. Secondly, it analyzes one level of active provision and consumption of Chinese medicine during the two flu epidemics, focusing on the medical practices of TCM practitioners in the 1957 epidemic. While recognizing the etiologic agent or agents of the disease as influenza viruses, the group of Chinese medical practitioners of the Chinese Medical Society in Hong Kong adopted the basic principles of traditional medicine regarding influenza, such as Shanghanlun and Wenbingxue, to distinguish the disease status among patients and prescribe medicine according to correct diagnoses, which were effective. Thirdly, this paper examines the level of folk culture among the people, who utilized famous prescriptions of Chinese herbal medicine and alimentotherapy, in addition to Chinese patent medicines imported from mainland China. In the context of regional commercial network, this section also demonstrates how Hong Kong served as a sole exporting port of medicinal materials (e.g., Chinese herbs) and Chinese patent medicines from the People's Republic of China to capitalist markets, including Hong Kong, under the socialist planned or controlled economy in the 1950s and 1960s. It was not only the efficacy of TCM in restoring immunity and alleviating symptoms of the human body, but also the voluntary efforts of these Chinese medical practitioners who sought to defend national medicine "Guoyi," positioning it as complementary and alternative medicine to scientific medicine. Additionally, merchants who imported and distributed Chinese medicinal materials and national "Guochan" Chinese patent medicine played a crucial role, as did the people who utilized Chinese medicine, all of which contributed to making TCM thrive in colonial Hong Kong.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer Treatment.

In recent years, due to advancements in medical conditions and the development of scientific research, the fundamental research of TCM antitumor treatments has progressed from the cellular level to the molecular and genetic levels. Previous studies have demonstrated the significant role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in antitumor therapy through various mechanisms and pathways. Its mechanism of action is closely associated with cancer biology across different stages. This includes inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, blocking invasion and metastasis to surrounding tissues, inducing tumor cell apoptosis, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, regulating immune function, maintaining genome stability, preventing mutation, and regulating cell energy metabolism. The use of TCM for eliciting antitumor effects not only has a good therapeutic effect and low side effects, it also provides a solid theoretical basis for clinical treatment and medication. This paper reviews the mechanism of the antitumor effects of TCM based on tumor characteristics. Through our review, we found that TCM not only directly inhibits tumors, but also enhances the body's immunity, thereby indirectly inducing an antitumor effect. This function aligns with the TCM theory of "strengthening the body's resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors". Furthermore, TCM will play a significant role in tumor treatment in clinical settings.

The role of traditional Chinese medicine in postoperative wound complications of gastric cancer.

Due to the high risks of postoperative complications brought on by gastric cancer, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a commonly used therapy, has exerted its vital role in postoperative recovery care. In this sense, this meta-analysis was conducted to explore the related documents about TCM's impact on gastric cancer postoperative recovery. During the research, we explored a total of 1549 results from databases PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (WoS). Thirty-two clinical randomized trials (RCTs) were then selected and analysed for this meta-analysis by using the software RevMan 5.4 (under PRISMA 2020 regulations), with a population of 3178 patients. Data prove that TCM therapy reduced the risks for postoperative complications exposure by an estimated average of 19% (95% CI). Among the complications, TCM therapy suppressed the risks of wound infection and incisional infections by 53% and 48% respectively. Meanwhile, the patient's wound healing duration exhibited a significant reduction compared to those without TCM treatment, with a difference at around 0.74 days (95% CI). TCM also exerted its potential to strengthen the patient's immune and health conditions, leading to a significantly promoted gastrointestinal function in the patients with a shorter duration to release first exhaustion and defecation compared to those with no TCM therapy. In addition, similar promoted phenomena also exist in those patients with TCM therapy in terms of their immunity and nutritional conditions. These facts all indicate a positive impact of TCM therapy in clinical applications.

[Role of NLRP3 inflammasome in prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment-related diseases and traditional Chinese medicine intervention: a review].

Alzheimer's disease(AD), vascular dementia(VD), and traumatic brain injury(TBI) are more common cognitive impairment diseases characterized by high disability and mortality rates, imposing a heavy burden on individuals and their families. Although AD, VD, and TBI have different specific mechanisms, their pathogenesis is closely related to the nucleotide-binding oligome-rization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3). The NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in neuroinflammatory responses, mediating microglial polarization, regulating the reduction of amyloid ß-protein(Aß) deposition, neurofibrillary tangles(NFTs) formation, autophagy regulation, and maintaining brain homeostasis, and synaptic stability, thereby contributing to the development of AD, VD, and TBI. Previous studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can alleviate neuroinflammation, promote microglial polarization towards the M2 phenotype, reduce Aß deposition and NFTs formation, regulate autophagy, and maintain brain homeostasis by intervening in NLRP3 inflammasome, hence exerting a role in preventing and treating cognitive impairment-related diseases, reducing psychological and economic pressure on patients, and improving their quality of life. Therefore, this article elucidated the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in AD, VS, and TBI, and provided a detailed summary of the latest research results on TCM intervention in NLRP3 inflammasome for the prevention and treatment of these diseases, aiming to inherit the essence of TCM and provide references and foundations for clinical prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment-related diseases with TCM. Meanwhile, this also offers insights and directions for further research in TCM for the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment-related diseases.

Oral bacteriome and mycobiome of patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy with different tongue coatings treated with a Chinese herbal formula.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Moshen Fuyuan Formula (MSFY) is one of the representative Chinese medicine compound for Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), that originate from Fang Ji Huang Qi decoction in the Han dynasty. IMN is usually accompanied by different tongue coatings in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and tongue microorganisms are important factors affecting the formation of the tongue coating. Recently, oral microbiomes, including bacteria and fungi, have been identified as pivotal factors that contribute to disease development. However, the regulation of oral microbiomes by MSFY has not been defined. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this work, we explore the characteristics of oral bacteria and fungi in IMN patients with different tongue coatings, and clarify the therapeutic effect of MSFY based on oral microbiome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 24 patients with IMN, including 11 with white tongue (IMN-W) and 13 with yellow tongue (IMN-Y), and recruited an additional 10 healthy individuals. Patients with IMN were treated with the MSFY. The oral bacteriome and fungi before and after treatment were detected using full-length 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer gene sequencing. RESULTS: The therapeutic effect of MSFY on patients with yellow tongue coating was more significant than that on patients with white tongue coating. In terms of oral bacteriome, Campylobacter bacteria were enriched in patients with yellow tongue and could be a promising biomarker for yellow coating. Enrichment of Veillonella parvula_A may partially account for the therapeutic effect of MSFY. As for oral fungi, Malassezia globosa was enhanced in patients with IMN-W and reduced in patients with IMN-Y. Notably, it was reduced by MSFY. We also found that mycobiome-bacteriome interactions were highly complex and dynamic in patients with IMN. CONCLUSION: The regulation of the dynamic balance between oral fungi and bacteria by MSFY contributes to the treatment of IMN. This study determined the oral bacteriome and mycobiome of patients with IMN with different tongue coatings before and after MSFY treatment, which aids in promoting personalized treatment in clinical TCM and provides direction for investigating the mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines.

Novel insight into the therapeutical potential of flavonoids from traditional Chinese medicine against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a major contributor to poor prognosis of ischemic stroke. Flavonoids are a broad family of plant polyphenols which are abundant in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and have beneficial effects on several diseases including ischemic stroke. Accumulating studies have indicated that flavonoids derived from herbal TCM are effective in alleviating CIRI after ischemic stroke in vitro or in vivo, and exhibit favourable therapeutical potential. Herein, we systematically review the classification, metabolic absorption, neuroprotective efficacy, and mechanisms of TCM flavonoids against CIRI. The literature suggest that flavonoids exert potential medicinal functions including suppressing excitotoxicity, Ca2+ overloading, oxidative stress, inflammation, thrombin's cellular toxicity, different types of programmed cell deaths, and protecting the blood-brain barrier, as well as promoting neurogenesis in the recovery stage following ischemic stroke. Furthermore, we identified certain matters that should be taken into account in future research, as well as proposed difficulties and opportunities in transforming TCM-derived flavonoids into medications or functional foods for the treatment or prevention of CIRI. Overall, in this review we aim to provide novel ideas for the identification of new prospective medication candidates for the therapeutic strategy against ischemic stroke.

The safety and efficacy of Houtou Jianweiling tablet in patients with chronic non-atrophic gastritis: a double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial.

Background: Common symptoms of Chronic Non-atrophic Gastritis (CNAG) include nausea, stomach distension, and abdominal pain. The Houtou Jianweiling Tablet (HTJWT) is a chinese patent medicine (CN1368229A) and it has been used clinically for more than 20 years with proven clinical efficacy in treating CNAG, prompted us to establish the clinical efficacy and safety of HTJWT on patients with mild to moderate CNAG symptoms in Pakistani population. Methods: This phase II, double-blind, randomized, parallel-controlled trial was conducted in a single center between November 2022 and February 2023 in Pakistan. In a ratio of 1:1, total 240 CNAG patients with erosion identified by pathological biopsy and gastroscopy were randomly assigned to control (Omeprazole) group (n = 120) and the treatment (HTJWT) group (n = 120). Patients in the treatment group received orally four HTJWT (0.38g/tablet), three times a day and one placebo of Omeprazole enteric-coated tablet prior to breakfast, daily. On the other hand, patients in the control group received one Omeprazole enteric-coated tablet (20 mg/tablet) prior to breakfast and four placebo of HTJWT, thrice a day. The patients consumed the investigated drugs (i.e., treatment and control) treatment regimen was followed for a duration of 28 days. The safety of the patients were evaluated through adverse events, serious adverse events and laboratory tests such as blood biochemistry, urine analysis, liver and renal function tests. Vital signs like; blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature, respiratory rate for all the patients were recorded. The cardiac status of the patients were assessed through electrocardiogram (ECG). The primary efficacy indicators were the improvement rate of gastric distention and gastralgia as the main clinical symptoms. Secondary indicators were visual analogue score (VAS); improvement rate of secondary clinical symptoms and signs; improvement rate of total clinical signs and symptoms; the disappearance/remission rate of Gastric pain and, remission/disappearance time of gastric distension; and the negative conversion rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The outcomes among each group were compared using the chi-square test. Results: Patients in both groups had good drug compliance (80%-120%), and there was no statistically significant difference in the patients' baseline characteristics. The clinical improvement rate was found to be 91.1% in the treatment group and 91.0% in the control group with negligible variation among the two groups (p = 0.9824; 95% confidence interval: -0.0781-0.0798). Similarly, hardly no difference was found in the negative conversion rate of H. pylori between the treatment group and the control group (i.e., 70.1% and 71.8% respectively, p = 0.8125). There were no significant differences in respiratory rate, vital signs, blood pressure, laboratory results for blood biochemistry, urine analysis, liver and renal function tests between the two groups. The ECG assessment carried out for the treatment and control group revealed no considerable difference. Margin variation in the disappearance time of gastric pain (p = 0.1860) and remission rate (p = 0.5784) between the two groups were observed. The control group exhibited a faster remission period for gastrointestinal discomfort indications as compared to treatment group (p = 0.0430). Only one patient in the control group experienced mild to moderate adverse events, namely,; epigastric pain and dyspepsia. The results were consistent with the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis that included patients who were 100% compliant to the assigned therapy. Conclusion: The lower limit of confidence interval (CI, 95%) for the differences in the effective rate between the treatment and the control groups was found to be -0.0781 which is greater than -0.15, hence the treatment group is non-inferior to the control group. The therapeutic dosage used in the trial and treatment period did not cause any significant adverse event, and there were no obvious changes in the ECG profile, vital signs and biochemistry of the patients. Based on the clinical efficacy evaluation and reported adverse events, it can be concluded that the HTJWT is a safe and effective traditional chinese medicine for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic non-atrophic gastritis with mild to moderate symptoms. Clinical Trial Registration: [www.clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [NCT04672018].

The residues and health risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Pheretima (an earthworm-derived traditional medicine) from southeastern China.

Minimal research exists on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), despite their significant contributions to domestic and international health protection. This study is the first to investigate the levels, profiles, and health risks of PCB residue in Pheretima, a typical TCM produced from earthworm. Seventy-seven Pheretima samples from different regions of China were analyzed for 45 PCB congeners. PCBs were found in all samples exhibiting species-dependent discrepancies. ∑45PCBs was ranging from 0.532 to 25.2 µg/kg (mean 4.46 µg/kg), with CB-11 being the most abundant congener contributing 71.8% ± 10.8% to ∑45PCBs, followed by CB-47, which were all non-Aroclor congeners called unintentionally produced PCBs (UP-PCBs). The average estimated daily intake of ∑45PCBs, ∑7ID-PCBs (indicative polychlorinated biphenyls), and CB-11 were 0.71, 0.04, and 0.51 ng/kg bw/d, respectively. The ∑HQ of PCBs in Pheretima samples was 2.97 × 10-4-2.46 × 10-2 (mean 2.77 × 10-3, 95th 4.21 × 10-3), while the ∑RQ ranged from 1.19 × 10-8 to 2.88 × 10-6 (mean 4.87 × 10-7, 95th 2.31 × 10-6). These findings indicate that Pheretima ingestion does not pose significant non-carcinogenic risks. However, certain individual samples exhibit an acceptable level of potential risks, particularly when considering that PCBs are recognized as endocrine disruptors and classified as probable carcinogens. These results contribute to the safety evaluation of traditional medicines and suggest the potential use of Pheretima as a bioindicator for PCB pollution. It is advisable to monitor UP-PCBs as indicator congeners and gather additional toxicological data.