Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.001
Xijian Liu, Xiangye Gao, Suyu Hou, Dandan Luo, Yan Zhang
Objective
This study aims to investigate the novel mechanism by which Banxia Shumi Decoction (BXSM) alleviates insomnia through the regulation of ribosome biogenesis (Ribosis).
Methods
We identified the molecular targets associated with the components of BXSM utilizing multiple databases, including PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction. Furthermore, we analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEG) linked to insomnia from the GSE 208668 dataset and compiled genes associated with Ribosis from existing literature. A protein interaction network was then constructed to pinpoint the central hub gene related to Ribosis. Additionally, various analytical approaches were employed, including Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and immune infiltration analysis, to explore the relevant functional implications of the identified genes. The validations were performed using operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, Gene Expression Omnibus dataset, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation.
Results
KAT2B was recognized as the key target, daidzin, naringin, aescin, kaempferol, and apigenin bind stably with KAT2B. Notably, KAT2B was primarily involved in various pathways, including the thyroid hormone signaling pathway. ROC assessment indicated that KAT2B exhibited high accuracy in distinguishing individuals with insomnia. Compared with the model group, BXSM could significantly upregulate the mRNA expression of KAT2B, and downregulate the mRNA expression level of THRB, MYC, and PGC-1α (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
This study elucidates the potential mechanisms by which BXSM ameliorates insomnia through its core bioactive compounds (daidzin, naringin, aescin, kaempferol, and apigenin). These compounds target KAT2B to modulate the thyroid hormone signaling pathway, which in turn regulates Ribosis.
{"title":"Banxia Shumi decoction targets ribosome biogenesis to alleviate insomnia","authors":"Xijian Liu, Xiangye Gao, Suyu Hou, Dandan Luo, Yan Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to investigate the novel mechanism by which Banxia Shumi Decoction (BXSM) alleviates insomnia through the regulation of ribosome biogenesis (Ribosis).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We identified the molecular targets associated with the components of BXSM utilizing multiple databases, including PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction. Furthermore, we analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEG) linked to insomnia from the GSE 208668 dataset and compiled genes associated with Ribosis from existing literature. A protein interaction network was then constructed to pinpoint the central hub gene related to Ribosis. Additionally, various analytical approaches were employed, including Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and immune infiltration analysis, to explore the relevant functional implications of the identified genes. The validations were performed using operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, Gene Expression Omnibus dataset, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>KAT2B was recognized as the key target, daidzin, naringin, aescin, kaempferol, and apigenin bind stably with KAT2B. Notably, KAT2B was primarily involved in various pathways, including the thyroid hormone signaling pathway. ROC assessment indicated that KAT2B exhibited high accuracy in distinguishing individuals with insomnia. Compared with the model group, BXSM could significantly upregulate the mRNA expression of KAT2B, and downregulate the mRNA expression level of THRB, MYC, and PGC-1α (<em>P</em> < 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study elucidates the potential mechanisms by which BXSM ameliorates insomnia through its core bioactive compounds (daidzin, naringin, aescin, kaempferol, and apigenin). These compounds target KAT2B to modulate the thyroid hormone signaling pathway, which in turn regulates Ribosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 4","pages":"Pages 373-388"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145652047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.001
Jinliang Liu , Jiena Xiao , Zhongwei Lin , Mingzhu Xiao
Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease. In terms of diagnosis and treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine each have their own strengths, but also have certain limitations. Affected by the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors, the pharmacotherapy of hypertension shows significant individual differences. Therefore, how to integrate the advantages of TCM and Western medicine to achieve precision medication has become an important research topic. A single diagnostic and therapeutic model is difficult to take into account both the characteristics of TCM's "holistic regulation" and Western medicine's "precision intervention": TCM focuses on holistic syndrome differentiation and the restoration of bodily balance, yet it is relatively vague in the analysis of disease mechanisms and the identification of drug targets; Western medicine excels in targeted therapy, but often overlooks the patient's overall physiological state and the holistic progression of the disease. In the current development of precision medication, the concept of integrative pharmacy provides important support. By systematically integrating multi-source knowledge and technical means, it is committed to combining the macro-holistic perspective with micro-precision intervention, and provides a practical framework for the integration and innovation of TCM and Western medicine. Against this background, TCM takes "holistic concept" and "syndrome differentiation and treatment" as its fundamentals, and devotes itself to maintaining the dynamic balance of human body functions; Western medicine, relying on advanced tools such as genomics and proteomics, emphasizes the precise identification of etiologies and targeted therapy. The two show a dialectical unity in concepts and methods, and jointly serve the realization of the goal of individualized treatment for hypertension. With "principle, method, prescription, and medicine" as the logical main line, this paper systematically explores the diagnostic and therapeutic ideas and practical strategies of TCM and Western medicine for hypertension, and expounds on how to take integrative pharmacy as a bridge to incorporate the holistic thinking of TCM into the modern precision medication system, thereby providing theoretical references and practical paths for promoting the integrated diagnosis and treatment of hypertension with TCM and Western medicine and the implementation of precise drug intervention.
{"title":"An integrative framework for precision medication in hypertension: Applying a dialectical perspective to traditional Chinese and Western medicine","authors":"Jinliang Liu , Jiena Xiao , Zhongwei Lin , Mingzhu Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease. In terms of diagnosis and treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western medicine each have their own strengths, but also have certain limitations. Affected by the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors, the pharmacotherapy of hypertension shows significant individual differences. Therefore, how to integrate the advantages of TCM and Western medicine to achieve precision medication has become an important research topic. A single diagnostic and therapeutic model is difficult to take into account both the characteristics of TCM's \"holistic regulation\" and Western medicine's \"precision intervention\": TCM focuses on holistic syndrome differentiation and the restoration of bodily balance, yet it is relatively vague in the analysis of disease mechanisms and the identification of drug targets; Western medicine excels in targeted therapy, but often overlooks the patient's overall physiological state and the holistic progression of the disease. In the current development of precision medication, the concept of integrative pharmacy provides important support. By systematically integrating multi-source knowledge and technical means, it is committed to combining the macro-holistic perspective with micro-precision intervention, and provides a practical framework for the integration and innovation of TCM and Western medicine. Against this background, TCM takes \"holistic concept\" and \"syndrome differentiation and treatment\" as its fundamentals, and devotes itself to maintaining the dynamic balance of human body functions; Western medicine, relying on advanced tools such as genomics and proteomics, emphasizes the precise identification of etiologies and targeted therapy. The two show a dialectical unity in concepts and methods, and jointly serve the realization of the goal of individualized treatment for hypertension. With \"principle, method, prescription, and medicine\" as the logical main line, this paper systematically explores the diagnostic and therapeutic ideas and practical strategies of TCM and Western medicine for hypertension, and expounds on how to take integrative pharmacy as a bridge to incorporate the holistic thinking of TCM into the modern precision medication system, thereby providing theoretical references and practical paths for promoting the integrated diagnosis and treatment of hypertension with TCM and Western medicine and the implementation of precise drug intervention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 290-300"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145120794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.004
Xuejuan Shen , Jieyong Du , Xiangyu Chen , Xiaodie Chen , Nan Xiao , Danping Huang , Yubin Yang , Rong Chen , Zunpeng Shu , Li Zhang
Objective
Vascular aging is a critical factor in cardiovascular diseases. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), a traditional Chinese medicine, shows potential in delaying vascular aging, yet its mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore BYHWD's pharmacological mechanisms through integrative network pharmacology and transcriptomics.
Methods
Network pharmacology identified BYHWD targets related to aging, followed by pathway enrichment analysis. Vascular histopathology was evaluated using HE, Masson, and EVG staining. Senescence biomarkers SA-β-gal, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), p16, p21, and p53 were determined. Oxidative-inflammatory markers were quantified via ELISA and RT-qPCR. Transcriptomic profiling used Illumina NovaSeq. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway analysis employed immunohistochemistry.
Results
Network pharmacology identified 103 key targets, including SIRT1 and AMPK, related to oxidative stress and inflammation. In the D-galactose-induced aging model rats, BYHWD treatment significantly reduced vascular media thickness by 28% in the medium-dose group, collagen deposition, and markers of senescence, such as SA-β-gal, AGEs, p16, p21, and p53. Transcriptomics revealed AMPK signaling pathway enrichment, and further experiments revealed that BYHWD mediates its effects involving activation of the AMPK/Sirt1/Foxo3a axis, a key regulator of vascular homeostasis.
Conclusion
BYHWD may attenuate vascular aging by AMPK-mediated regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation, providing a novel multi-target strategy against age-related cardiovascular diseases. The underlying molecular mechanism still needs to be further clarified.
{"title":"Integrative network pharmacology and transcriptomics suggest the mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in attenuating vascular aging via AMPK signaling pathway","authors":"Xuejuan Shen , Jieyong Du , Xiangyu Chen , Xiaodie Chen , Nan Xiao , Danping Huang , Yubin Yang , Rong Chen , Zunpeng Shu , Li Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Vascular aging is a critical factor in cardiovascular diseases. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), a traditional Chinese medicine, shows potential in delaying vascular aging, yet its mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore BYHWD's pharmacological mechanisms through integrative network pharmacology and transcriptomics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Network pharmacology identified BYHWD targets related to aging, followed by pathway enrichment analysis. Vascular histopathology was evaluated using HE, Masson, and EVG staining. Senescence biomarkers SA-<em>β</em>-gal, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), p16, p21, and p53 were determined. Oxidative-inflammatory markers were quantified via ELISA and RT-qPCR. Transcriptomic profiling used Illumina NovaSeq. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway analysis employed immunohistochemistry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Network pharmacology identified 103 key targets, including SIRT1 and AMPK, related to oxidative stress and inflammation. In the D-galactose-induced aging model rats, BYHWD treatment significantly reduced vascular media thickness by 28% in the medium-dose group, collagen deposition, and markers of senescence, such as SA-<em>β</em>-gal, AGEs, p16, p21, and p53. Transcriptomics revealed AMPK signaling pathway enrichment, and further experiments revealed that BYHWD mediates its effects involving activation of the AMPK/Sirt1/Foxo3a axis, a key regulator of vascular homeostasis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>BYHWD may attenuate vascular aging by AMPK-mediated regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation, providing a novel multi-target strategy against age-related cardiovascular diseases. The underlying molecular mechanism still needs to be further clarified.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 276-289"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145120856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jhip.2025.08.001
Haibo Chen , Lizhen Liao , Zezhi Ke , Xu Zhang , Xiaodong Zhuang , Xin Gao , Litao Pan
Objective
The causal impacts of COVID-19 on cardiometabolic diseases remained uncertain. This study utilized the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to evaluate causal relationships between COVID-19 (susceptibility and severity) and four primary cardiometabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and heart failure).
Methods
MR analysis was conducted using genome-wide association study (GWAS) results. Susceptibility and severity were defined as COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-hospitalization, respectively. Data from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative were used for susceptibility and severity analysis. Consortium data from Spracklen CN, Nikpay, Malik R, and Neale lab were employed for type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and heart failure, respectively.
Results
For COVID-19 susceptibility, the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method showed the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI], P-value) for type 2 diabetes was 1.719 (1.510–1.956, P = 0.000). For COVID-19 severity, the IVW method estimate indicated that the OR (95% CI, P-value) for ischemic stroke was 1.051 (1.008–1.095, P = 0.020). Moreover, the OR for heart failure was slightly higher in the hospitalized population than in the control population (1.001, 95% CI 1.000–1.002, P = 0.010). The remaining results were negative.
Conclusion
This MR study establishes that genetically predicted COVID-19 susceptibility causally increases type 2 diabetes risk, while severe infection shows suggestive causal links with ischemic stroke and heart failure, redefining COVID-19 as an independent cardiometabolic risk factor.
{"title":"Mendelian randomization analysis establishes a causal relationship between COVID-19 and cardiometabolic diseases","authors":"Haibo Chen , Lizhen Liao , Zezhi Ke , Xu Zhang , Xiaodong Zhuang , Xin Gao , Litao Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The causal impacts of COVID-19 on cardiometabolic diseases remained uncertain. This study utilized the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to evaluate causal relationships between COVID-19 (susceptibility and severity) and four primary cardiometabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and heart failure).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>MR analysis was conducted using genome-wide association study (GWAS) results. Susceptibility and severity were defined as COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-hospitalization, respectively. Data from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative were used for susceptibility and severity analysis. Consortium data from Spracklen CN, Nikpay, Malik R, and Neale lab were employed for type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and heart failure, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>For COVID-19 susceptibility, the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method showed the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI], <em>P</em>-value) for type 2 diabetes was 1.719 (1.510–1.956, <em>P</em> = 0.000). For COVID-19 severity, the IVW method estimate indicated that the OR (95% CI, P-value) for ischemic stroke was 1.051 (1.008–1.095, <em>P</em> = 0.020). Moreover, the OR for heart failure was slightly higher in the hospitalized population than in the control population (1.001, 95% CI 1.000–1.002, <em>P</em> = 0.010). The remaining results were negative.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This MR study establishes that genetically predicted COVID-19 susceptibility causally increases type 2 diabetes risk, while severe infection shows suggestive causal links with ischemic stroke and heart failure, redefining COVID-19 as an independent cardiometabolic risk factor.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 301-307"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145120795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.009
Osama Ahmad , Komal Zulfiqar
{"title":"Unlocking artemisinin's potential in polycystic ovary syndrome treatment: A call for controlled human trials","authors":"Osama Ahmad , Komal Zulfiqar","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.009","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 322-323"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.008
Jiajian Tang, Zilin Cong, Huijia Dai, Sigui Zhou, Yao Wen
Objective
In order to further develop and utilise Perilla frutescens polysaccharides, the aim of this study was to optimize process conditions for the extraction of Perilla frutescens polysaccharides with deep eutectic solvents (DES), to investigate their biological activities and to analyse their monosaccharide composition.
Methods
Perilla frutescens polysaccharides were extracted by DES and ultrasonic extraction, and the optimal extraction process was obtained by one-way test and response surface method. The extract was collected and concentrated, alcohol precipitated, deproteinized, dialyzed, and evaporated to make a solution, which was purified by DEAE and Sephadex G-75 columns to obtain the arginal polysaccharide PFP-1.
Results
The polysaccharide was extracted from Perilla frutescens by ultrasonication with the aid of a new type of DES, and the optimal conditions for extraction were determined: the optimal DES system for extracting the polysaccharide of Perilla frutescens and the molar ratio was choline chloride: oxalic acid = 2:1; ultrasonication temperature, power, and time were 70 °C, 280 W, and 45 min, respectively; and the liquid-solid ratio was 21 mL/g, and the extraction rate of polysaccharide was 2.44%. The molecular weight (Mw) of PFP-1 is approximately 11600 Da. Hydrolysis and derivatization of the refined polysaccharide PFP-1 followed by analytical experiments determined that the polysaccharide monosaccharides consisted of rhamnose, glucuronic acid, and glucose, with the molar ratios of 1.45: 2.82: 1.41. The antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic activity of the polysaccharide were determined to be good by free radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition experiments, and the IC50 of Perilla frutescens polysaccharide against DPPH• was 0.117 mg/mL and that against α-amylase was 0.002 mg/mL.
Conclusion
This study can provide an experimental basis for the establishment of an industrialized production process of polysaccharides and the study of their biological activities.
{"title":"Optimization, characterization, hypoglycemic and antioxidant activity studies of ultrasonic-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of polysaccharides from Perilla frutescens","authors":"Jiajian Tang, Zilin Cong, Huijia Dai, Sigui Zhou, Yao Wen","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>In order to further develop and utilise <em>Perilla frutescens</em> polysaccharides, the aim of this study was to optimize process conditions for the extraction of <em>Perilla frutescens</em> polysaccharides with deep eutectic solvents (DES), to investigate their biological activities and to analyse their monosaccharide composition.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>Perilla frutescens</em> polysaccharides were extracted by DES and ultrasonic extraction, and the optimal extraction process was obtained by one-way test and response surface method. The extract was collected and concentrated, alcohol precipitated, deproteinized, dialyzed, and evaporated to make a solution, which was purified by DEAE and Sephadex G-75 columns to obtain the arginal polysaccharide PFP-1.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The polysaccharide was extracted from <em>Perilla frutescens</em> by ultrasonication with the aid of a new type of DES, and the optimal conditions for extraction were determined: the optimal DES system for extracting the polysaccharide of <em>Perilla frutescens</em> and the molar ratio was choline chloride: oxalic acid = 2:1; ultrasonication temperature, power, and time were 70 °C, 280 W, and 45 min, respectively; and the liquid-solid ratio was 21 mL/g, and the extraction rate of polysaccharide was 2.44%. The molecular weight (<em>Mw</em>) of PFP-1 is approximately 11600 Da. Hydrolysis and derivatization of the refined polysaccharide PFP-1 followed by analytical experiments determined that the polysaccharide monosaccharides consisted of rhamnose, glucuronic acid, and glucose, with the molar ratios of 1.45: 2.82: 1.41. The antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic activity of the polysaccharide were determined to be good by free radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition experiments, and the IC<sub>50</sub> of <em>Perilla frutescens</em> polysaccharide against DPPH• was 0.117 mg/mL and that against <em>α</em>-amylase was 0.002 mg/mL.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study can provide an experimental basis for the establishment of an industrialized production process of polysaccharides and the study of their biological activities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 333-342"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265019","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.006
Md. Rafat Tahsin , Arifa Sultana , Fahima Aktar , Nasiba Binte Bahar , Md Naeem Hossain Rony , Rifah Noor Chowdhury , Sabiha Rahman Mim , Safa H. Qahl , Ishrat Jahan , Md. Shah Amran
Objective
The unfavorable costs and effects of currently accessible antidepressant agents necessitate the development of more potent and safe alternatives, that will obviate the potential problems associated with the commercially available marketed ones. Phyllanthus emblica, widely known as emblic or amla, is utilized in traditional Asian medicine. In this study, the potential of Phyllanthus emblica's extract as an antidepressant drug was investigated.
Methods
The dried and pulverized powder of fruit was extracted in 70% ethanol. Rat model was used to assess the antidepressant effect of this extract and rats were treated with 800 mg/kg extract for 28 days. To assess the impact of the treatment, different behavioural tests like forced swimming test, tail suspension test, open field test, elevated plus maze, light dark box test, and coat state test were conducted.
Results
Following the administration of Phyllanthus emblica's extract, a significant decrease in immobility times was observed in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test (P < 0.05). Similarly, the intake of glucose water was increased significantly (P < 0.05) after Phyllanthus emblica's extract treatment. Additionally, in all behavioural tests associated with the open field test, elevated plus maze, and light dark box test, abnormal behavioural states were significantly restored (P < 0.05) in the extract-treated group. Besides, in all behavioural tests, it has been observed that the standard drug also restored all the abnormal behavioural conditions. In silico docking revealed that compounds C_66 (stigmast-4-en-3-one) and C_43 (7-ketositosterol) exhibited the strongest binding affinity for MAO-A (−11.8 and −11.7 kJ/mol), surpassing the control drug Phenelzine (−6.7 kJ/mol), with distinct binding site residues. For hSERT, C_71 (Phyllanemblinin A, −11.4 kJ/mol) and C_66 (−10.8 kJ/mol) outperformed Fluoxetine (−8.9 kJ/mol), with Stigmast-4-en-3-one showing potential multi-target activity. ADME and toxicity prediction indicated low GI absorption for all candidates; C_43 showed the best drug-likeness and was predicted as non-toxic (class 6), while C_66 and C_71 were class 5, with additional nephrotoxicity and mutagenicity for C_71.
Conclusion
It can be inferred that the fruit extract of Phyllanthus emblica can efficiently reverse the disturbing psychological ailment towards a healthy status, which has the potential to be further developed into an alternative of currently accessible marketed antidepressant agents.
{"title":"An assessment of antidepressant like potentiality of Phyllanthus emblica on experimental rodent model of depressive disorder under the light of numerous behavioural test batteries","authors":"Md. Rafat Tahsin , Arifa Sultana , Fahima Aktar , Nasiba Binte Bahar , Md Naeem Hossain Rony , Rifah Noor Chowdhury , Sabiha Rahman Mim , Safa H. Qahl , Ishrat Jahan , Md. Shah Amran","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The unfavorable costs and effects of currently accessible antidepressant agents necessitate the development of more potent and safe alternatives, that will obviate the potential problems associated with the commercially available marketed ones. <em>Phyllanthus emblica</em>, widely known as emblic or amla, is utilized in traditional Asian medicine. In this study, the potential of <em>Phyllanthus emblica</em>'s extract as an antidepressant drug was investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The dried and pulverized powder of fruit was extracted in 70% ethanol. Rat model was used to assess the antidepressant effect of this extract and rats were treated with 800 mg/kg extract for 28 days. To assess the impact of the treatment, different behavioural tests like forced swimming test, tail suspension test, open field test, elevated plus maze, light dark box test, and coat state test were conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Following the administration of <em>Phyllanthus emblica</em>'s extract, a significant decrease in immobility times was observed in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Similarly, the intake of glucose water was increased significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.05) after <em>Phyllanthus emblica</em>'s extract treatment. Additionally, in all behavioural tests associated with the open field test, elevated plus maze, and light dark box test, abnormal behavioural states were significantly restored (<em>P</em> < 0.05) in the extract-treated group. Besides, in all behavioural tests, it has been observed that the standard drug also restored all the abnormal behavioural conditions. In silico docking revealed that compounds C_66 (stigmast-4-en-3-one) and C_43 (7-ketositosterol) exhibited the strongest binding affinity for MAO-A (−11.8 and −11.7 kJ/mol), surpassing the control drug Phenelzine (−6.7 kJ/mol), with distinct binding site residues. For hSERT, C_71 (Phyllanemblinin A, −11.4 kJ/mol) and C_66 (−10.8 kJ/mol) outperformed Fluoxetine (−8.9 kJ/mol), with Stigmast-4-en-3-one showing potential multi-target activity. ADME and toxicity prediction indicated low GI absorption for all candidates; C_43 showed the best drug-likeness and was predicted as non-toxic (class 6), while C_66 and C_71 were class 5, with additional nephrotoxicity and mutagenicity for C_71.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>It can be inferred that the fruit extract of <em>Phyllanthus emblica</em> can efficiently reverse the disturbing psychological ailment towards a healthy status, which has the potential to be further developed into an alternative of currently accessible marketed antidepressant agents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 343-361"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.007
Shuidi Zhang , Bei Gui , Zijun Wu , Yuanjun Wei , Hong Deng , Kunping Li , Caie Guo , Yanfen Chen
Objective
This study aimed to systematically investigate the gastroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of fresh Dendrobium officinale granules (FDG), a clinically convenient formulation of fresh Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale).
Methods
For the convenience of clinical use, fresh D. officinale was prepared into granules. The active ingredients of FDG were detected by HPLC. The gastroprotective efficacy of FDG was investigated in mice with alcoholic, indometacin, and reserpine gastric ulcer models, and in rats with acetic acid chronic gastric ulcers. The ulcer index, histopathology of gastric mucosa, and the levels of nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Network pharmacology method was used to predict the potential mechanism of FDG. Lastly, the expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, and HO-1 were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot methods.
Results
HPLC result showed that the four active ingredients of FDG were vicenin-2, isoschaftoside, schaftoside, and 6-C-xylosyl-8-C-glucosylapigenin. FDG exerted significant effects against acute and chronic gastric ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. The network pharmacology analysis predicted the potential mechanism on oxidative stress and its related pathways. FDG remarkably increased SOD, NO, and CAT levels and lowered MDA levels in various gastric ulcer models, indicating it could enhance the antioxidant capacity to prevent gastric ulcers. FDG obviously down-regulated Keap1 expression and up-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expression.
Conclusion
This study proved the gastroprotective efficacy of fresh D. officinale, and its mechanism may be related to the antioxidation activity and the regulation of Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway.
目的系统研究新鲜铁皮石斛颗粒剂(鲜铁皮石斛颗粒剂)的胃保护作用及其机制。方法为方便临床使用,将新鲜officinale制成颗粒剂。用高效液相色谱法测定了FDG的有效成分。以酒精性、吲哚美辛、利血平胃溃疡模型小鼠和醋酸性慢性胃溃疡大鼠为实验对象,研究FDG的胃保护作用。测定大鼠溃疡指数、胃黏膜组织病理学及一氧化氮(NO)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)水平。采用网络药理学方法预测FDG的潜在作用机制。最后,采用qRT-PCR和Western blot方法检测Keap1、Nrf2和HO-1的表达水平。结果hplc检测结果显示,黄芩苷的4种有效成分分别为维仙素-2、异麦草苷、麦草苷和6- c -木糖基-8- c -葡萄皂素。FDG对急性和慢性胃溃疡均有显著的剂量依赖性。网络药理学分析预测了氧化应激的潜在机制及其相关途径。FDG显著提高各种胃溃疡模型中SOD、NO、CAT水平,降低MDA水平,提示其可增强抗氧化能力,预防胃溃疡。FDG明显下调Keap1表达,上调Nrf2和HO-1表达。结论本研究证实了鲜铁皮鸡的胃保护作用,其机制可能与抗氧化活性及对Keap1-Nrf2信号通路的调节有关。
{"title":"Protective effects of fresh Dendrobium officinale against gastric ulcer by regulating Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway","authors":"Shuidi Zhang , Bei Gui , Zijun Wu , Yuanjun Wei , Hong Deng , Kunping Li , Caie Guo , Yanfen Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to systematically investigate the gastroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of fresh <em>Dendrobium officinale</em> granules (FDG), a clinically convenient formulation of fresh <em>Dendrobium officinale</em> (<em>D. officinale</em>).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>For the convenience of clinical use, fresh <em>D. officinale</em> was prepared into granules. The active ingredients of FDG were detected by HPLC. The gastroprotective efficacy of FDG was investigated in mice with alcoholic, indometacin, and reserpine gastric ulcer models, and in rats with acetic acid chronic gastric ulcers. The ulcer index, histopathology of gastric mucosa, and the levels of nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Network pharmacology method was used to predict the potential mechanism of FDG. Lastly, the expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, and HO-1 were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot methods.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HPLC result showed that the four active ingredients of FDG were vicenin-2, isoschaftoside, schaftoside, and 6-C-xylosyl-8-C-glucosylapigenin. FDG exerted significant effects against acute and chronic gastric ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. The network pharmacology analysis predicted the potential mechanism on oxidative stress and its related pathways. FDG remarkably increased SOD, NO, and CAT levels and lowered MDA levels in various gastric ulcer models, indicating it could enhance the antioxidant capacity to prevent gastric ulcers. FDG obviously down-regulated Keap1 expression and up-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expression.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study proved the gastroprotective efficacy of fresh <em>D. officinale</em>, and its mechanism may be related to the antioxidation activity and the regulation of Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 362-372"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265021","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.003
Jatin Tekawade, Rohan Barse, Vijay Jagtap
Additive manufacturing has recently demonstrated significant progress in healthcare. Six-dimensional (6D) printing is an emerging field that holds great promise through the rapid, layer-by-layer creation of complex objects capable of changing over time in response to external stimuli, resulting in dynamic and adaptable products. 6D printing represents a superimposition of 4D and 5D printing, combining the stimuli-responsiveness of 4D printing with the structural robustness of 5D printing. It uniquely enables autonomous, adaptive drug delivery systems by utilizing smart materials such as shape-memory alloys, responsive polymers, and hydrogels that react to environmental triggers. This review explores the evolution, mechanisms, significance, and innovations of 6D printing, which has made notable strides toward patient-centered medical approaches. Future developments in 6D printing may involve the use of material panels that adapt to stimuli varying over time under physiological conditions, offering new possibilities for advanced medical applications and solutions.
{"title":"Holistic insights of 6D printing in healthcare","authors":"Jatin Tekawade, Rohan Barse, Vijay Jagtap","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Additive manufacturing has recently demonstrated significant progress in healthcare. Six-dimensional (6D) printing is an emerging field that holds great promise through the rapid, layer-by-layer creation of complex objects capable of changing over time in response to external stimuli, resulting in dynamic and adaptable products. 6D printing represents a superimposition of 4D and 5D printing, combining the stimuli-responsiveness of 4D printing with the structural robustness of 5D printing. It uniquely enables autonomous, adaptive drug delivery systems by utilizing smart materials such as shape-memory alloys, responsive polymers, and hydrogels that react to environmental triggers. This review explores the evolution, mechanisms, significance, and innovations of 6D printing, which has made notable strides toward patient-centered medical approaches. Future developments in 6D printing may involve the use of material panels that adapt to stimuli varying over time under physiological conditions, offering new possibilities for advanced medical applications and solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 263-275"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145120857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.002
Xinxin Tan , Jiajia Gao , Chao Wang
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a severe adverse reaction caused by various drugs and their metabolites, with complex clinical manifestations, and severe cases may progress to acute liver failure (ALF) or even death. Currently, the pathogenesis of DILI has not been fully elucidated, and specific diagnostic indicators and effective therapeutic strategies are lacking, so it is crucial to deeply analyze its pathogenesis and develop precise intervention strategies. This review explores key pathogenic mechanisms in the development of DILI, with a focus on mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis, immune responses and the gut-liver axis. It further systematically summarizes the clinical diagnostic approaches for DILI, including common diagnostic methods and potential biomarkers. Additionally, the review discusses therapeutic strategies for DILI, encompassing western medical treatments, ethnomedical treatments and non-pharmacological treatments. Although N-acetylcysteine (NAC) remains the FDA-approved standard treatment for acetaminophen (APAP) overdose, superior therapeutic options for DILI need to be explored urgently due to its therapeutic limitations and side effects. In the future, the prevention and treatment strategy of DILI will rely on deeper mechanistic investigations, development of novel biomarkers, and further exploration of multi-targeted traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies.
{"title":"Review on clinical diagnosis, pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of drug-induced liver injury","authors":"Xinxin Tan , Jiajia Gao , Chao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhip.2025.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a severe adverse reaction caused by various drugs and their metabolites, with complex clinical manifestations, and severe cases may progress to acute liver failure (ALF) or even death. Currently, the pathogenesis of DILI has not been fully elucidated, and specific diagnostic indicators and effective therapeutic strategies are lacking, so it is crucial to deeply analyze its pathogenesis and develop precise intervention strategies. This review explores key pathogenic mechanisms in the development of DILI, with a focus on mitochondrial dysfunction, ferroptosis, immune responses and the gut-liver axis. It further systematically summarizes the clinical diagnostic approaches for DILI, including common diagnostic methods and potential biomarkers. Additionally, the review discusses therapeutic strategies for DILI, encompassing western medical treatments, ethnomedical treatments and non-pharmacological treatments. Although N-acetylcysteine (NAC) remains the FDA-approved standard treatment for acetaminophen (APAP) overdose, superior therapeutic options for DILI need to be explored urgently due to its therapeutic limitations and side effects. In the future, the prevention and treatment strategy of DILI will rely on deeper mechanistic investigations, development of novel biomarkers, and further exploration of multi-targeted traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100787,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy","volume":"6 3","pages":"Pages 308-321"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}