Advanced Chinese Medicine最新文献

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease with bone destruction as the core pathology, which belongs to the category of “impediment disease” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and its etiology and pathogenesis are still not completely clear. It is characterized by high prevalence, high disability rate, and high recurrence rate, which seriously affects human health and has become a worldwide research hot spot. At present, although modern medicine has made significant progress in the treatment of RA bone destruction, such as biologics and small-molecule targeted drugs, it still faces problems such as poor efficacy, drug resistance, drug side effects, and long-term treatment costs. It has been found that the use of TCM decoction and acupuncture in combination with Western medicine for the treatment of RA bone destruction can enhance the efficacy of the treatment while reducing the adverse effects of Western medicine. However, no one has systematically reviewed the current research status on the combination of Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of RA bone destruction. Therefore, this paper reviews the research progress of combined Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of RA bone destruction, aiming to promote the application of combined Chinese and Western medicine in clinical practice and provide new treatment ideas for the clinical treatment of RA bone destruction.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, highly disabling autoimmune disease. Although modern medical treatments have made progress, challenges such as suboptimal efficacy, relapse, difficulties in comorbidity management, and side effects persist. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates unique advantages in the treatment of RA throughout the entire course of the disease, particularly in early intervention, consolidation during remission, reducing the side effects of Western medicines, and preventing relapse. Based on this, the article explores the research paradigm and scientific and technological strategic approaches for RA, which is recognized as a disease with clinical advantages in TCM. It proposes a three-pronged approach: optimizing the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnostic and treatment system, strengthening comprehensive prevention and control of RA-related complications and comorbidities, and establishing a chronic disease management system for RA based on TCM theories. Through the synergy of clinical and basic research, the aim is to clarify the advantageous aspects of TCM in RA diagnosis and treatment, develop effective treatment protocols, enhance RA prevention and management, and underscore the value of TCM.

The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in maintaining host metabolic homeostasis and overall physiological functions. Shenling Baizhu San (SLBZS), a time-honored classical prescription for tonifying Qi, strengthening the spleen, removing dampness, and arresting diarrhea, has shown broad clinical efficacy in digestive disorders. Emerging evidence indicates that the metabolic fate, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability of SLBZS's complex herbal constituents are profoundly influenced by interactions with specific intestinal microorganisms and their enzymatic repertoire. This review systematically summarizes advances in five key areas: (1) the major bioactive components of SLBZS and their modern therapeutic applications; (2) characterization of gut microbial communities and their relevant degradative enzymes; (3) in vitro and in vivo studies elucidating microbe-mediated biotransformation of SLBZS constituents; (4) modulation of host signaling pathways—such as NF-κB, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, and AMPK—by SLBZS metabolites; and (5) the pharmacological implications of these microbial conversions for enhancing compound bioactivity and therapeutic outcomes. By integrating phytochemical analyses, microbial genomics, and metabolomics data, researchers have begun to identify the specific microbial taxa responsible for key hydrolysis, reduction, and deglycosylation reactions. Understanding these host–microbe–herb interactions not only sheds light on the mechanistic basis of SLBZS's efficacy, but also informs strategies to optimize its formulation and dosing. Such insights will facilitate the modernization and precision application of traditional Chinese medicine, ultimately improving patient prognosis in gastrointestinal and systemic diseases.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) identified as key contributors to its dynamic regulation. This review elucidates the multifaceted roles of CAFs and NETs in tumor progression and clarifies their intricate cross talk. The underlying mechanisms by which these components promote tumor growth, metastasis, and immune evasion are also discussed. Promising therapeutic strategies include both direct targeting of CAFs and inhibition of their downstream effectors. Likewise, the disruption of NET formation using DNase or peptidylarginine deiminase 4 inhibitors represents a potential avenue for anticancer therapy. In addition, the review highlights the regulatory effects of natural products and traditional Chinese medicines on CAF–tumor interactions. Despite these advances, further investigation is necessary to facilitate clinical translation. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the TME and promote the development of innovative therapies targeting CAF–NET cross talk to improve cancer prognosis.

In acupuncture randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the proper interpretation of results requires a thorough understanding of key statistical concepts such as p-value, effect size, and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). This paper explores the relationships among these metrics and their implications for assessing the clinical significance of acupuncture interventions. Through case studies, the paper highlights the limitations of relying solely on p-values for determining the clinical relevance of outcomes. Although statistically significant results may be reported, these studies often fail to meet the prespecified MCID, raising concerns about their real-world applicability. This paper argues that p-values must be interpreted alongside effect size and MCID to ensure that reported benefits reflect meaningful improvements for patients. By examining both short- and long-term outcomes, this analysis emphasizes the need for a holistic approach when evaluating acupuncture RCTs, ensuring that statistical findings are translated into clinically significant improvements.

In this review, a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the phytochemical constituents, traditional medicinal applications, current pharmacological research, toxicity, and nanobiotechnology of black cumin has been undertaken. An exhaustive database retrieval was conducted to collect scientific information about Nigella sativa L. from 1956 to 2025 using PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, SciFinder, and CABI. Search was carried out using the keywords “Nigella sativa,” “Nigella oil,” “Ethnobotany,” “Phytochemistry,” “Pharmacological activity,” “Toxicity,” and “Nanotechnology.” Several important phytochemicals are found in the seeds of N. sativa L., and many of which seem to have a good impact on human health and are put to important use in the Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems of medicine. Among the active compounds, thymoquinone is the most important, forming about 30%–48% of the oil fraction. Besides thymoquinone, a wide range of phytochemicals such as thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, p-cymene, sabinene, carvacrol, 4-terpineol, kaempferol (glucoside) t-anethol, longifolene (sesquiterpene), α-pinene, α-hederin (pentacyclic triterpene), and thymol have also been reported. Current research has provided scientific evidence for the traditional uses of black cumin, especially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, and antiarthritic effects. The review provides an in-depth analysis of the phytochemistry, traditional uses as well as potential pharmacological properties of N. sativa L. Since the plant is being extensively investigated for its medicinal properties, this review provides valuable up-to-date information on the current research status and will act as a reference for future research and applications of this important medicinal plant.

The NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a vital part of the innate immune response, whilst its aberrant activation drives the progression of several noncommunicable diseases. It induces caspase-1 activation and the downstream substrates involved with the processing and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and TNF-α. Activation of this complex often involves the adapter ASC and upstream sensors including NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, and pyrin, which are activated by different stimuli including infectious agents and changes in cell homeostasis, and play key roles in inflammation, development, and related cell death. However, the molecular mechanisms that integrate multiple inflammasome sensors to facilitate optimal host defense remain unknown; therefore, treatment is challenging. Natural medicine and small molecule-based therapies have been well-documented for their effectiveness in modulating inflammatory pathways and reestablishing the lost proteostasis inside the cells to combat several chronic diseases related to inflammation. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have potent clinical effects against NLRP3 inflammasome activation and could be used as complementary therapy. Therefore, this review summarizes various similar reports and highlights the important effects of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and their possible mechanisms of action. Thus, TCM prescriptions, herbs, and bioactive compounds can be considered novel, practical, and accessible agents in chronic inflammatory diseases by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.