Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Machine learning framework for multi-regulatory safety assessment of traditional Chinese medicine compounds","authors":"Oluwaseun E. Agboola ,&nbsp;Zainab A. Ayinla ,&nbsp;Samuel S. Agboola ,&nbsp;Oluranti E. Olaiya ,&nbsp;Babatunji E. Oyinloye","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100772","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100772","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Introduction: Traditional Chinese Medicine faces unprecedented regulatory challenges due to multi-component complexity incompatible with conventional single-molecule assessment frameworks, necessitating innovative computational approaches for cross-jurisdictional safety and efficacy evaluation. Methods: We developed an intelligent AI-driven multi-regulatory framework integrating 127 bioactive compounds from 24 herb species across systematic multi-database mining (TCMSP, TCMID, PubChem, ChEMBL). The agency-specific scoring algorithms modeled FDA, EMA, and CFDA regulatory priorities through the mathematical weighting systems. The machine learning models employed the Random Forest classification for toxicity prediction and Gradient Boosting regression for quality assessment; utilizes 20 molecular descriptors and ADMET parameters. Network pharmacology analysis revealed herb species interactions through centrality measures and community detection algorithms. Results: The cross-regulatory assessment demonstrated the substantial inter-agency variations (CFDA: 95.43±6.39; FDA: 89.96±10.70; EMA: 80.57±13.95). The AI models achieved a robust performance with the quality prediction R²=0.746 and the toxicity classification accuracy of 0.497±0.052. The feature importance analysis identified oral bioavailability as the dominant predictor (0.38), whereas the network analysis showed hub species with the superior regulatory compliance. Risk-benefit profiling positioned anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds optimally for regulatory approval. Conclusions: This intelligent, multi-regulatory framework represents a paradigm shift toward precision regulatory science, enhancing traditional medicine safety assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100772"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187341","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}

{"title":"DNA methylation-mediated effects of traditional chinese medicine in atherosclerosis: a review","authors":"Tianming Feng ,&nbsp;Huimin Bian ,&nbsp;Ruigong Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100766","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100766","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Atherosclerosis (AS), the main pathological basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, is associated with lipid disorders, inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) dysfunction. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism that plays a pivotal role in regulating the pathological processes of AS. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has multi-component and multi-target actions, has shown considerable advantages in treating AS through DNA methylation pathways. Natural Chinese herbal medicines with low toxicity and high efficiency can reduce blood pressure, protect vascular endothelial cells, stabilize arterial plaques, and participate in AS prevention and treatment via epigenetic modification, anti-inflammatory, and lipid metabolism-regulating effects.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature review was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CNKI, focusing on TCM active ingredients and their role in DNA methylation in AS.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our article summarizes the latest research on how TCM and its active components intervene in AS by regulating DNA methylation. Specifically, TCM modulates site-specific DNA methylation to regulate lipid metabolism and foam cell formation, inhibit inflammation, alleviate oxidative stress, and balance phenotypic switching as well as the proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs. These mechanisms provide novel epigenetic targets for AS treatment beyond conventional lipid-lowering therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Integrating advanced technologies with TCM research and developing DNA methylation-targeting agents can improve AS therapy. This cross-disciplinary approach not only enriches the epigenetic regulatory theory of TCM but also paves the way for translating these findings into clinical practice. Our findings offer personalized therapeutic options for AS that do not depend solely on lipid-lowering mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100766"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187342","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}

{"title":"Data mining-based investigation of the compatibility principles of Astragali Radix-containing in cardiovascular formulas","authors":"Wenyu Jiang ,&nbsp;Xianxia Yuan ,&nbsp;Linling Su ,&nbsp;Ling Mo ,&nbsp;Jiaxue Wu ,&nbsp;Min Wang ,&nbsp;Donglin Liu ,&nbsp;Yang Hai","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100765","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100765","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Introduction&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health challenge. As a key herb for replenishing qi, &lt;em&gt;Astragali Radix&lt;/em&gt; (Huangqi) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for treating cardiovascular conditions. This study systematically investigated the compatibility of formulas containing &lt;em&gt;Astragali Radix&lt;/em&gt; (Huangqi) for CVDs as documented in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2025 edition). This research aimed to provide evidence-based theoretical support for the standardized and rational clinical application of &lt;em&gt;Astragali Radix&lt;/em&gt; in managing CVDs.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A structured database was established to systematically document key details of each formula, including the formula’s composition, therapeutic effect, properties, flavors, and meridian tropism. The frequency analysis provided a quantitative assessment of the prevalence of specific herbs, facilitated their classification into distinct therapeutic categories, and summarized their properties along with their associated meridian affinities. The Apriori algorithm was employed for association rule mining to elucidate the principles governing compatibility. To identify herb pairs and core combinations that are statistically significant, minimum support and confidence thresholds were established at 12% and 85%, respectively, following parameter optimization and a review of pertinent literature.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 35 cardiovascular formulas containing &lt;em&gt;Astragali Radix&lt;/em&gt; were analyzed, encompassing a total of 135 Chinese herbal medicines. The frequency analysis revealed that the most commonly co-prescribed herbs included &lt;em&gt;Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge&lt;/em&gt; (Danshen), &lt;em&gt;Chuanxiong Rhizoma&lt;/em&gt; (Chuanxiong), and &lt;em&gt;Codonopsis Radix&lt;/em&gt; (Dangshen), with the exception of &lt;em&gt;Astragali&lt;/em&gt; Radix. The classification based on therapeutic effect showed that the primary categories comprised qi-tonifying, interior heat-clearing, blood-tonifying, blood-circulating, and stasis-transforming herbs. The predominant properties were \"warm\" and \"cold,\" whereas the primary flavors used in the CVDs formulas included \"sweet,\" \"bitter,\" and \"pungent.\" The analysis of meridian tropism demonstrated that the main focus of the herbs was on the liver, spleen, and heart meridians. The combination of \"&lt;em&gt;Astragali Radix&lt;/em&gt;-&lt;em&gt;Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge&lt;/em&gt;\" exhibited the highest levels of support at 45.14% and confidence at 87.5%. The combination \"&lt;em&gt;Astragali Radix-Crataegi Fructus&lt;/em&gt; (Shanzha)\" showed a significant association strength, with support and confidence values recorded at 22.86% and 87.5%, respectively.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study provides a comprehensive analysis of compositional characteristics, frequency distribution, and compatibility principles of &lt;em&gt;Astragali Radix-&lt;/em&gt;containing formulas for CVDs. The core herb combination","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100765"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187334","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}

{"title":"Pharmacological insights into traditional Chinese medicine for heart failure: Targeting cardiac energy metabolism and mitochondrial function","authors":"Yokesh Shanmugam,&nbsp;Mahaswetha Kannuchamy,&nbsp;Lokeshvar Ravikumar","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100764","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100764","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Heart failure (HF) remains a major contributor to global cardiovascular mortality, largely due to disturbances in myocardial energy balance and mitochondrial impairment. Conventional therapies alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression but seldom restore normal cardiac bioenergetics. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a holistic, multitarget therapeutic framework that can influence metabolic and signaling networks involved in maintaining cardiac energy homeostasis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Following the PRISMA framework, a systematic search was carried out for publications from 2021 to 2025 examining TCM-derived compounds or formulations with regulatory effects on myocardial energy metabolism in HF. Comprehensive searches across PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Springer retrieved 230,887 records. After eliminating duplicates and non-relevant studies, 1210 full-text papers were evaluated, of which four satisfied all inclusion requirements. Pharmacokinetic characteristics, effective concentrations, and dosage data were extracted to improve the quantitative assessment of included findings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Bioactive constituents such as berberine, astragaloside IV, resveratrol, tanshinone IIA, and ginsenoside Rb1 enhanced mitochondrial performance and ATP generation mainly through activation of AMPK, PGC-1α, and mTOR signaling. Reported effective doses ranged between 10 and 50 mg/kg, with half-lives from 0.9 to 6 h and generally low oral absorption. Polyherbal preparations including Qiliqiangxin, Shengmai San, and Zhenwu Tang produced additive benefits by improving oxidative status and energy remodeling in cardiac tissue.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Evidence suggests that TCM interventions can reprogram myocardial energy metabolism and mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, although heterogeneity in formulation and dosing limits clinical consistency.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>TCM represents a promising complementary approach for HF therapy by restoring cardiac energy dynamics, warranting further standardized pharmacokinetic and clinical investigations to validate its translational value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100764"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090249","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}

{"title":"Traditional Chinese medicine–derived phytochemicals in prostate cancer: Mechanisms, progress, and prospects","authors":"Karthik K Karunakar ,&nbsp;Kunal R Kataria ,&nbsp;Lincy Yabase ,&nbsp;Binoy Varghese Cheriyan ,&nbsp;Keerthi Varsha ,&nbsp;Sowmiya Philip","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100761","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100761","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men, with treatment resistance and adverse effects limiting the success of current therapies. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers bioactive phytochemicals with multitargeted anticancer properties. Among them, curcumin (from <em>Curcuma longa</em>, Jianghuang/Yujin), berberine (from <em>Coptis chinensis</em>, Huanglian), baicalin (from <em>Scutellaria baicalensis</em>, Huangqin), resveratrol (from <em>Polygonum cuspidatum</em>, Huzhang), and tanshinone IIA (from <em>Salvia miltiorrhiza</em>, Danshen) demonstrate significant therapeutic potential against PCa through modulation of key oncogenic pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This review synthesizes recent findings on the mechanistic and therapeutic roles of TCM-derived phytochemicals in prostate cancer, emphasizing their molecular targets, pharmacological pathways, and translational relevance.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering 2015–2025. A total of 1030 records were screened, and 75 studies meeting PRISMA 2020 inclusion criteria were analyzed, focusing on pathways such as AR, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, STAT3, and MAPK.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All five phytochemicals inhibited tumour proliferation, induced apoptosis, and reduced metastasis. Curcumin and tanshinone IIA suppressed AR and NF-κB signaling; berberine targeted AR/AKR1C3 and EMT; baicalin inhibited caveolin-1/AKT/mTOR and TP53/CDK2 axes; and resveratrol modulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR and AR-V7 pathways, reducing vasculogenic mimicry.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>TCM-derived phytochemicals exhibit multi-pathway anticancer effects through apoptosis induction, oxidative stress modulation, and AR pathway suppression. Despite promising preclinical outcomes, limited bioavailability and clinical validation remain challenges. Advances in nanodelivery systems and pharmacokinetic optimization could facilitate their clinical translation for prostate cancer therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100761"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977886","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}

{"title":"Vitex negundo L.: A comprehensive exploration of its phytochemistry, pharmacological attributes and molecular docking insights","authors":"Naveeta Kotia ,&nbsp;Rachna Verma ,&nbsp;Reshma Sinha","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100762","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100762","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Vitex negundo</em> L. is a widely distributed medicinal plant especially in many Asian countries like India (Nirgundi) and China (Chinese Pinyin). In the ethno-botanical realm, it offers an expansive array of medicinal attributes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The literature search was conducted using key words ‘<em>Vitex negundo</em>’ or ‘Chaste tree’, ‘phytochemicals’, ‘pharmacology’ or ‘biological activities’, ‘molecular docking’, ‘traditional medicine’, ‘inflammation’, ‘clinical trials’ and ‘drug discovery’ from 1969 to November 2025 on various databases like Google Scholar, Science Direct, ResearchGate and Pub Med.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>By summarizing and analyzing a wide range of fundamental and clinical studies on <em>V. negundo</em>, it was observed that <em>V. negundo</em> derived phytochemicals and botanical extracts exhibit dose-dependent antioxidant, anti-androgenic, thrombolytic, anti-cholinesterase, α-glucosidase, and cyclooxygenase inhibitory activities. They influence various cellular processes, including programmed cell death, mitogenic signaling, and immune modulation through various signaling networks such as AMPK/PI3K/Akt/p38-NF-B, MAPKs/NF-κB, and TGF/Smad/Bcl2/caspase/LC3. It also affects various oncogenic signaling routes, including COX-1, MAPK, Akt, mTOR, PI3K/AKt, and Akt/FOXO3a. Notably, vitexin, an active ingredient, reduces leukocyte migration and inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO via inactivation of p38, MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK signaling pathways. Another phytoconstituent, vitedoin-A, inhibits osteoclast development by blocking the ERK/NFATc1 signaling network. Molecular docking simulations revealed strong binding affinities of phyto ligands like negundoside, luteolin, 5,7-dihydroxy-6,40-dimethoxy flavonone, and 9-[4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl) oxan-2-yl]−1H-purin-6-one against specific key target proteins such as COX, HER2 (3RCD), PAK1, and Wnt, validating their anti-inflammatory and antitumor efficacy. Clinical studies revealed remarkable improvement in arthritis, cataract, respiratory diseases, and insomnia among selected individuals.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Further studies on the pharmacokinetics are required to establish its therapeutic efficacy, safety, and bridge traditional knowledge with modern drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100762"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187333","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}

{"title":"Improved cardiac function by Ganoderma lucidum spore oil in high-altitude residents: A single-arm trials","authors":"Chun-Wei Jiao ,&nbsp;Cong-Cong Gong ,&nbsp;Hui-Jia Liang ,&nbsp;Xiao-Yi Li ,&nbsp;Burton B Yang ,&nbsp;Yu-E Wang ,&nbsp;Si-En Cen ,&nbsp;Jin-Dong Xu ,&nbsp;Jian Chen ,&nbsp;Sheng Wang ,&nbsp;Yi-Zhen Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100763","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100763","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Ganoderma lucidum</em> spore oil (GLSO) contains small molecules that are efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream upon oral administration. Previous studies suggest potential cardio-protective roles of GLSO, relevant for myocardial injury (MI) patients.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To evaluate the effects of GLSO on cardiac function in MI patients residing at high altitudes (above 3500 m), we focused on the improvements of ventricular function, alterations in energy metabolism, and modulation of gut microbiota.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>A single-arm clinical trial was performed involving 38 Tibetan MI patients to assess the efficacy of GLSO over eight-week treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Patients received GLSO orally for eight weeks, followed by cardiac assessment, metabolomic analysis, and gut microbiota analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cardiac functional improvements were observed with enhanced left ventricular diastolic performance and reduced cardiac regurgitation in 47.06 % of patients. A decrease in electrocardiographic abnormalities was detected in 77.78 % of patients. Metabolomic profiling revealed significant reductions in fatty acids and acylcarnitines, with concurrent increases in bile acids and β-alanine levels. Gut microbiota analysis indicated increased microbial diversity and a notable rise in Akkermansia populations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The GLSO oral preparation appears to improve cardiac function in high-altitude MI patients. These benefits may be mediated through enhanced β-oxidation of fatty acids and favorable modulation of gut microbiota. Our study suggests a promising therapeutic role for GLSO in this patient population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100763"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146187830","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}

{"title":"Neuroprotective effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan): Mechanisms, active compounds, and therapeutic potential","authors":"Ritesh Sharma ,&nbsp;Kuldeep Singh ,&nbsp;Deepak Sharma ,&nbsp;Abhishek Sharma ,&nbsp;Divya Jain ,&nbsp;Subbulakshmi Packirisamy ,&nbsp;Mukesh Chandra Sharma ,&nbsp;Amitabh Shad","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100760","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100760","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s involve oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal loss, with limited therapeutic options. <em>Gynostemma pentaphyllum</em> (Jiaogulan), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb rich in gypenosides, has demonstrated neuroprotective potential through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurogenic activities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This review synthesizes data from phytochemical, <em>in vitro, in vivo</em>, and limited clinical studies investigating the neuroprotective effects of Jiaogulan. Sources were selected from experimental models of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, focusing on mechanistic pathways, active compounds, and therapeutic relevance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Evidence indicates that <em>Jiaogulan</em> mitigates neuronal injury via multiple mechanisms, including activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling, inhibition of NF-κB/MAPK pathways, modulation of BDNF and PI3K/Akt signaling, protection against mitochondrial dysfunction, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Most available human studies evaluate the systemic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects of <em>G. pentaphyllum</em>. While these outcomes are not direct neurological endpoints, they are biologically relevant to neuroprotection, given the established links between systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative processes. Limited clinical data suggest improvements in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cognitive outcomes, with favorable safety profiles.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The multi-target pharmacological profile of Jiaogulan aligns with the complex pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. However, gaps remain regarding compound-specific mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and large-scale clinical validation. Standardization of extracts and advanced delivery approaches may enhance translational potential.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Gynostemma pentaphyllum</em> represents a promising natural neuroprotective agent. With further mechanistic studies and well-designed clinical trials, Jiaogulan could emerge as a novel therapeutic candidate for the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100760"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977884","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}

{"title":"Unveiling the anti-hyperuricemic potential of Aquilaria malaccensis leaf’s methanolic extract: A multi-approach phytospectral, in silico, in vivo, radiographic investigation in rats","authors":"Pradnya N. Jagtap ,&nbsp;Priyanka.S. Rajge ,&nbsp;Vipul V. Dhasade ,&nbsp;Akanksha J. Gavali ,&nbsp;Sanika S. Wandhekar ,&nbsp;Saurabh L. Kudale ,&nbsp;Prashant R. Gaikwad ,&nbsp;Prashant N. Amale","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100759","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100759","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Hyperuricemia, characterized by elevated serum uric acid (UA), is a major risk factor for gout, renal injury, and osteoarthritic complications. Current urate-lowering agents can cause adverse effects. <em>Aquilaria malaccensis</em> (沉香, Chénxiāng, AM), traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to regulate Qi, relieve pain, and support renal function, contains flavonoid-rich constituents that may offer metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits. This study investigates the anti-hyperuricemic potential of <em>A. malaccensis</em> methanolic extract (AMME) through phytochemical, in vitro, in vivo, and <em>in silico</em> approaches.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Methanolic leaf extract of authenticated AM was subjected to phytochemical screening, TLC, UV–Vis, and FT-IR characterization. Molecular docking was performed with xanthine oxidase (XO, PDB: 1FIQ). Hyperuricemia was induced in rats using potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine, followed by treatment with AMME. Serum uric acid (UA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were quantified, while renal histopathological analysis, knee joint radiography, and an in vitro membrane-stabilization assay were performed to evaluate protective and anti-inflammatory effects.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Flavonoids such as acacetin, luteolin derivatives, and 5‑hydroxy‑7,4′-dimethoxyflavone were identified (TLC Rf = 0.84; UV–Vis λ_max = 210, 258 nm). Docking showed favourable interactions of these compounds with XO. AMME exhibited notable membrane stabilization (85.8% inhibition at 800 µg/mL; IC₅₀ = 143.56 µg/mL). In vivo, AMME (500–1000 mg/kg) significantly reduced serum UA and CRP levels and ameliorated renal and articular alterations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Flavonoid-rich AMME exhibited anti-hyperuricemic, anti-inflammatory, and renoprotective activities, supporting the traditional use of AM. Further studies on active-compound isolation, mechanistic validation, and pharmacokinetics are warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100759"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977887","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}

{"title":"Chinese herbal medicine improves depressive symptoms and regulates hormonal levels in the treatment of menopausal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Kim Sia Sng ,&nbsp;Si Woei Goh ,&nbsp;Yi Ker Wong ,&nbsp;Jen Yann Chiu","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in the treatment of menopausal depression.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang, Chongqing VIP, and SinoMed were searched. All RCTs were assessed for eligibility and data extraction, subsequently assessed on the quality with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis was performed on RevMan Web on all included studies for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI), serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestradiol (E2), and adverse events.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The review included 27 RCTs with 2540 participants. The quality of studies included was generally poor. Nevertheless, single use of CHM or in combination with conventional medicine significantly improved HAMD and KMI scores (<em>p</em>&lt;0.0001). CHM appears to be able to complement conventional medicine in further reducing serum FSH and LH, while increasing E2 levels. Subgroup analysis revealed that 4, 6 and 8 weeks of CHM can significantly reduce HAMD score, except for 12 weeks with no significant difference; while capsules and decoction type of CHM can significantly reduce HAMD scores, unlike granules type of CHM. Adverse events were lesser reported in the group that uses CHM when compared to single use of conventional medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CHM has its effectiveness in menopausal depression women when being used alone or may provide additional efficacies when used in combination with conventional medicine, as well as lesser side effects were reported whenever CHM is being used.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100758"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038084","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}