Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Targeting B-raf/MEK signaling in melanocytic carcinoma using HPLC-MS/MS characterized metabolites from Valeriana wallichii Rhizome","authors":"Charushila V. Balikai ,&nbsp;Raviraj M. Kulkarni ,&nbsp;Kiran Thabaj ,&nbsp;Shankar Gharge ,&nbsp;Rohini S. Kavalapure ,&nbsp;Shyam S. Desai","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100674","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100674","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Valeriana wallichii</em> (mǎ lù róng cǎo), a traditional medicinal herb native to southwestern China, holds promise as a source of novel anticancer agents. This study explores its therapeutic potential against A375 human melanoma cells through an integrated <em>in silico</em>, in vitro pharmacological approach. High-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) profiling of the ultrasonication-assisted hydroalcoholic extract identified key phytoconstituents, notably chlorogenic acid and quinic acid. Network pharmacology analysis linked these metabolites to critical signaling pathways involved in skin cancer progression, particularly the MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and Ras pathways. Target prediction and protein interaction networks further revealed modulation of key nodes such as BRAF and MEK. Molecular docking highlighted strong binding affinities of chlorogenic acid at the ATP-binding domains of both BRAF (CYS532, ASP594, LYS483, GLY534) and MEK (SER150, ALA95), with interaction energies comparable to reference inhibitors dabrafenib and DS03090629. Molecular dynamics simulations (100 ns) confirmed the stable occupation of these active sites by chlorogenic acid, supporting its potential as a dual BRAF/MEK inhibitor. ADME predictions revealed favorable drug-like properties for the major compounds. In vitro cytotoxicity assays on A375 melanoma cells demonstrated significant antiproliferative effects of the <em>V. wallichii</em> extract obtained <em>via</em> ultrasonication (IC₅₀ = 172.8 ± 1.07 μg/mL), with scanning electron microscopy indicating enhanced cell membrane disruption, likely due to improved bioactive extraction efficiency. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of <em>Valeriana wallichii</em> rhizome metabolites, particularly chlorogenic acid, as multitargeted therapeutic agents in melanocytic carcinoma. This study provides scientific validation for the traditional use of <em>V. wallichii</em> in Chinese medicine and lays the groundwork for its development as a modern pharmacological intervention targeting BRAF/MEK signaling in skin cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100674"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144885795","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":"Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower extract-mediated fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles, characterization and its antimicrobial activity","authors":"Komal Thakur ,&nbsp;Avneet Kaur","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100673","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100673","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Hibiscus rosa-sinensis</em> commonly known as Zhū Jǐn Huā' (朱槿花) which is widely beings used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the form of herbal preparations and decoctions for the ailment of inflammations, skin infections, and gynecological disorders. Zhū Jǐn Huā' (朱槿花) is well known for its good phytochemicals composition including anthocyanins, flavonoids and other bioactive components making it a promising choice for linking traditional Chinese medical knowledge with modern nanotechnology.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>ZnO NPs (Zinc oxide nanoparticles) were fabricated following simple chemical precipitation method using aqueous flower extract (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). Phytochemical screening of flower extract was done to identify bioactive components. Fabricated nanoparticles were characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to analyze their morphology, size, crystallinity, and elemental composition. Further, antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Rhizopus species.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Phytochemical analysis of studied flower extract confirmed the presence of flavanone, coumarins, flavonoids, steroids, and anthocyanins in the flower extract. Characterization results demonstrated that the ZnO NPs were crystalline with an average size ranging from 7 to 14 nm, as revealed by XRD analysis. EDS confirmed the elemental composition of the nanoparticles. Antimicrobial assay observation indicates a good antibacterial and antifungal activity in fabricated ZnO NPs against E. coli and Rhizopus species, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The present work revealed the successful green synthesis of ZnO NPs using H. rosa-sinensis flower extract and highlights the potential of its specific bioactive components documented in traditional Chinese medicine. The nanoparticles exhibited desirable properties with a good antimicrobial potential, suggesting their potential application in biomedical and environmental fields.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100673"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144858195","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 potential of Hesperidin in Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: A preclinical study in Swiss albino mice","authors":"Ramsha Mehdiya ,&nbsp;Zeenath Banu ,&nbsp;M. Sumakanth","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100671","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100671","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Background: Hesperidin (Chinese: 橙皮苷, Chéng pí gān) is a bioflavonoid primarily found in citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines. It has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a key active component of <em>Citri reticulatae Pericarpium</em> (陈皮, Chénpí) and <em>Aurantii fructus immaturus</em> (枳实, Zhǐshí), which are traditionally employed to treat digestive disorders, circulatory problems, and respiratory ailments. These herbs are well-established in classical TCM formulations and have recently been included in Chinese guidelines for epidemic management, highlighting hesperidin’s broad therapeutic potential. Modern studies have demonstrated hesperidin’s strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. Owing to these properties, hesperidin has gained interest as a natural therapeutic candidate for neuropsychiatric conditions such as alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of hesperidin in alleviating behavioral and biochemical alterations in a murine model of AWS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty male Swiss albino mice (<em>n</em> = 6 per group) were randomly divided into five groups. Four groups received a modified liquid diet (MLD) containing ethanol for 21 days to induce alcohol dependence, while the control group received an ethanol-free MLD. Upon ethanol withdrawal, mice were treated for 48 h with hesperidin (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg, orally) or diazepam (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), serving as the reference standard. Behavioral evaluations were conducted at 6^th, 24^th, and 48^th h post-withdrawal using the elevated plus maze, open field test (for anxiety), forced swim and tail suspension tests (for depression), actophotometer (for locomotor activity), and hot plate and tail immersion tests (for nociception). Biochemical analyses included estimation of brain antioxidant enzymes such as, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH), and liver enzymes like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Hesperidin produced statistically significant improvements in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, locomotor activity, nociceptive responses, brain antioxidant status, and hepatic enzyme levels compared to the ethanol withdrawal group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Hesperidin alleviated behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological alterations associated with AWS in this study. Although the results indicate potential neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects that may involve antioxidant mechanisms, these findings are preliminary. Comprehensive pharmacological and mechanistic studies are warranted to confirm its therapeutic relevance in AWS management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100671"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144858194","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":"Aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces offers neuroprotection against unpredictable chronic mild stress-induced neurobehavioral disorders and biochemical perturbations in male Swiss mice","authors":"Valiant Orodeh Adeoye ,&nbsp;Abayomi Mayowa Ajayi ,&nbsp;Peter Oghenebrorhie Orodeh ,&nbsp;Joseph Chimezie ,&nbsp;Love Enebeli ,&nbsp;Paul Ademola Adeleke ,&nbsp;Olatunde Owoeye ,&nbsp;Solomon Umukoro","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Hibiscus sabdariffa</em> (commonly known as roselle or Chinese rose tea) is widely known for its soothing effects, particularly during prolonged stress. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is valued for its therapeutic benefits, including antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects. This study explores the neuroprotective potential of the aqueous extract of <em>H. sabdariffa</em> calyces (AEHS) in mitigating stress-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical changes in mice subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty male Swiss mice were randomly assigned to five groups (<em>n</em> = 6) and treated orally. Groups 1 (control) and 2 (UCMS-control) received distilled water, whereas group 3–5 received AEHS at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively. Group 2–5 were subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) daily for 21 days. The neurobehavioral assessments including locomotor activity, memory, anxiety and depressive-like behaviors conducted on days 20 and 21. On day 22, blood glucose and serum corticosterone levels were analyzed alongside oxidative stress biomarkers, nitrites, pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6), and serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-response element binding protein (CREB), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were evaluated. The enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) as well as the histomorphological changes in the brain regions were also assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>AEHS effectively modulated UCMS-induced neurobehavioral disorders, along with elevated blood glucose and plasma corticosterone levels. The extract mitigated UCMS-induced increases in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrites, pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB, and AChE. Additionally, AEHS restored the diminished levels of glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, CREB, BDNF, Nrf2, serotonin, and GAD activity within the brain regions. Furthermore, AEHS ameliorated UCMS-induced histomorphological alterations in the brain.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion/Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrated that AEHS confers neuroprotection against chronic stress-induced neurobehavioral disorders, biochemical and histomorphological alterations by enhancing antioxidant defenses and modulating key signaling pathways, including BDNF, CREB, Nrf2 and NF-κB. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic applications of AEHS in mitigating chronic stress-related psychiatric disturbances within the framework of TCM.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100665"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144756939","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":"Harnessing traditional chinese medicine for wound healing and modern wound models: An overview","authors":"Vishwjeet Singh ,&nbsp;Singh Khushbu Ravindranath ,&nbsp;Harishchandra Verma ,&nbsp;Shivang Shukla ,&nbsp;Anjali Rai ,&nbsp;Tejas Patani ,&nbsp;Triveni Mishra ,&nbsp;Anuradha Mishra ,&nbsp;Ramesh Kumar Gupta","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100664","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100664","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This study delves into the intricate dynamics of wound healing, emphasizing the critical role of various wound healing models in advancing therapeutic interventions and the use of various Chinese medicines used in wound treatment. These models, ranging from abrasions to incision and dead space wound models, provide invaluable insights into chronic wounds like venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify studies published between 1994 and 2023 on the use of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) in wound healing. A total of 196 articles were retrieved, of which 161 were selected based on relevance, experimental evidence, and mechanistic insights. The review emphasizes TCM-based formulations evaluated in <em>in vivo, in vitro</em>, and preclinical models, with a focus on their therapeutic roles and underlying molecular pathways in skin repair and regeneration.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Animal models, despite not perfectly replicating human chronic wounds, have been instrumental in studying wound healing mechanisms, particularly the inflammatory phase and factors like bacterial biofilms. The exploration of apoptosis and extracellular matrix alterations within these models sheds light on crucial cellular and molecular events essential for wound closure. Additionally, the article discusses models for burn wounds, skin aging, blister wounds, and back punch wounds, highlighting their significance in understanding wound pathophysiology and testing treatment efficacy. Furthermore, traditional remedies like Shiunko and Wuwei Xiaodu Yin are explored for their therapeutic properties in promoting granulation tissue formation, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Overall, the study underscores the importance of these diverse wound healing models in unraveling the complexities of tissue repair and guiding the development of effective treatments for various types of wounds using Chinese medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Significance statement</h3><div>This article highlights the critical role of diverse wound healing models in advancing therapeutic interventions, particularly in studying chronic wounds and evaluating the efficacy of Chinese medicinal plant-based treatments. This study provides insights into wound pathophysiology, inflammation, and tissue repair mechanisms by analyzing various models, including burns, abrasions, and incisions, emphasizing the potential of traditional remedies like Shiunko and Wuwei Xiaodu Yin in promoting wound healing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100664"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144763936","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":"Machine learning-driven discovery of STAT3 as a pivotal target for Wen-Wei-San-Ji formula in chronic atrophic gastritis therapy","authors":"Tingting Huang ,&nbsp;Lu Wang ,&nbsp;Mengru Dou ,&nbsp;Jia Guo ,&nbsp;Kaihua Long ,&nbsp;Yuan Wang ,&nbsp;Yang Liu ,&nbsp;Bo Wang ,&nbsp;Weijian Zhao ,&nbsp;Shanrong Han ,&nbsp;Jingyi Bai ,&nbsp;Xinli Wen ,&nbsp;Ye Li ,&nbsp;Yuxi Liu ,&nbsp;Hong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Wen-Wei-San-Ji Formula (WWSJ) is a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used in treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), demonstrating significant clinical efficacy. However, its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms and active components of WWSJ for CAG by employing network pharmacology, machine learning, and molecular docking, complemented by experimental validation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Active compounds and targets of WWSJ were screened using TCMSP and Uniprot databases, while targets for CAG were collected from GeneCards and OMIM databases. Protein-protein-interaction and herb-compound-target networks were constructed using by STRING and Cytoscape. Functional enrichment was performed with DAVID. Machine learning (PCA/LASSO/RF) identified core targets from GEO data. In molecular docking studies, AutoDock Vina was used to evaluate binding activity. <em>In vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> experiments were conducted to validate the results.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 53 active ingredients with (OB)≥30% and (DL)≥0.1 from WWSJ were selected. Targets of the formula (1657) and CAG disease (923) were screened, resulting in the identification of 207 common targets. Functional analysis of WWSJ by GO and KEGG revealed 742 Biological Processes (BP), 85 Cellular Components (CC), 116 Molecular Functions (MF), and 149 signaling pathways associated with CAG. Additionally, 5 core genes were identified through machine learning and molecular docking. The compounds demonstrated strong binding affinity with the target proteins, especially STAT3. Therefore, we hypothesized that WWSJ can treat CAG through inhibiting STAT3 signaling. Results of cell and animal experiments indicated that WWSJ is effective in the treatment of CAG through the inhibition of STAT3.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Integrated network pharmacology predictions and machine learning optimization identified STAT3 as the primary therapeutic target of WWSJ. Experimental studies confirmed that WWSJ alleviates CAG by suppressing STAT3 phosphorylation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100663"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144722860","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":"Imperatorin suppresses NSCLC via interaction with PI3K/AKT pathway and PD-L1: Computational and experimental evidence","authors":"Yifei Xu ,&nbsp;Shunjiang Jia ,&nbsp;Zhijian Liang ,&nbsp;Shuxian Gong ,&nbsp;Zhongyuan Long ,&nbsp;Yuwei Wang ,&nbsp;Huanling Lai","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100661","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100661","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, underscoring the critical need for novel therapeutic agents. Imperatorin (IMP), a natural furanocoumarin compound derived from various traditional Chinese medicine plants including <em>Angelica dahurica</em> (Baizhi) and <em>Peucedanum praeruptorum</em> (Qianhu), has shown promising anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of IMP against NSCLC.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The anti-NSCLC activity of IMP was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity and colony formation assays. Network pharmacology analysis was employed to identify potential targets of IMP in NSCLC. Molecular docking simulations predicted binding affinities and interactions between IMP and its targets. The antitumor efficacy and molecular mechanisms of IMP were further validated using in vivo xenograft models.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>IMP exhibited time-dependent growth inhibition in NSCLC cell lines H1975 and A549, with 48-hour IC50 values of 5.28 ± 0.50 µM and 14.17 ± 3.02 µM, respectively, while showing minimal cytotoxicity toward normal lung CCD19-Lu cells. In vivo, IMP significantly suppressed tumor growth in a nude mouse xenograft model. Network pharmacology identified 379 common targets between IMP and NSCLC, predominantly associated with the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, with the PD-L1 signaling pathway emerging as an additional relevant target. Molecular docking analysis revealed strong interactions between IMP and key PI3K/AKT pathway proteins. Subsequent in vivo experiments confirmed that IMP treatment inhibited PI3K and AKT activation while downregulating PD-L1 expression.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings demonstrate that IMP exerts multi-target effects against NSCLC, particularly through modulation of the PI3K/AKT and PD-L1 pathways, suggesting its potential as both a therapeutic agent and an immunomodulator in NSCLC treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100661"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144662619","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":"Phytochemical constituents, therapeutic potential and toxicity of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis: An in-depth review","authors":"Mahima Tiwari,&nbsp;Suruchi,&nbsp;Ajay Kumar Gupta,&nbsp;Dipti Pal,&nbsp;Sanmati Kumar Jain","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Gardenia jasminoides Ellis</em> (GJE), also known as \"Cape Jasmine,\" is an East Asian blooming species indigenous to East Asia. This plant has extensive utility in the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is acknowledged for its ability to combat inflammation, safeguard liver health and possess antioxidant capabilities.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This review seeks to examine the ethnopharmacological importance of GJE<em>,</em> emphasizing its historical applications, bioactive constituents, and possible therapeutic benefits as well as toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An investigation into the phytoconstituents, extraction techniques, and pharmacological effects of the GJE was conducted using a variety of academic databases and search engines. These included Google Scholar, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Flora of China, Wanfang Database, Plant of the World Online, ChemSpider, European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) Global Database, Springer Link, and Science Direct.</div></div><div><h3>Outcomes</h3><div>An examination uncovers a variety of bioactive phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, gardenia’s yellow pigment, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, organic acids and their derivatives, along with other compounds. These components are crucial to the wide-ranging pharmacological applications, which encompass antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, cardiovascular disorders, neurodisorders, anti-tumor, treatment of liver injury, anti-hepatic injury, gastrocellular activity, improvement of gut microbiota, atopic dermatitis, anti-viral, improvement of the quality of sleep, protection from blue light and ultraviolet rays, vitiligo, inhibition of retinal damage, antibacterial activity, anti-senescence activity, anti-thrombosis, osteoporosis protection and postmenopausal syndrome treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>GJE is an important medicinal plant recognized for its diverse pharmacological advantages, which are underpinned by its extensive phytochemical composition. Despite its considerable therapeutic promise, it is essential to take its toxicity into account, especially at elevated doses. Additional research is necessary to evaluate its safety profile and enhance its medicinal uses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100662"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144687239","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":"Interactions between traditional chinese medicine and gut microbiota in chronic diseases","authors":"Lei Chen ,&nbsp;Meijun Liu ,&nbsp;Xiaoli Chen ,&nbsp;Aiping Lyu ,&nbsp;Kenneth Cheung ,&nbsp;Yongai Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The gut microbiota (GM) is a vast and dynamic community of microorganisms residing in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. It plays a vital role in the absorption, digestion, metabolism, and distribution of food and drugs. Dysbiosis of GM is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to the development of intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and colorectal cancer. Moreover, GM communicates with distant organs through various axes, including the brain-gut, liver-gut, and lung-gut axes, thereby participating in the pathogenesis of systemic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver cancer, and lung cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This review systematically examines the recent literature on the bidirectional interaction between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and GM, focusing on preclinical and clinical studies. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms through which GM influences the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TCM, including microbial enzymatic activities such as hydrolysis, redox reactions, and deacetylation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>GM can significantly impact both the efficacy and toxicity of TCM by transforming its active ingredients. Conversely, TCM and its active compounds also modulate the composition and function of GM, contributing to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Key chronic conditions covered in this review include gastrointestinal, neurological, hepatic, and pulmonary diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The interaction between TCM and GM represents a promising avenue for personalized medicine and targeted interventions for GM-related diseases. Understanding these complex interactions provides a theoretical basis for developing novel TCM-based strategies to prevent and treat chronic conditions through modulation of the gut microbiota.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100659"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144657014","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":"Transcriptomics revealed potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ethanol extracts of propolis and tree gum in lipoteichoic acid and interferon-γ-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages","authors":"Zongze Li,&nbsp;Zhengxin Liu,&nbsp;Yuyang Guo,&nbsp;Yujing Tang,&nbsp;Ting Li,&nbsp;Shuangshuang Gao,&nbsp;Hongzhuan Xuan","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Poplar propolis, a traditional Chinese medicine abundant in phenolic acids and flavonoid compounds, demonstrates remarkable anti-inflammatory activity. It is currently widely applied in the pharmaceutical and health product industries for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of various diseases. However, due to the limited availability of natural propolis, its primary plant source—tree gum—is often used as an adulterant, posing significant challenges for the authenticity and quality control of propolis products. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extracts of poplar propolis (EEP) and tree gum (EEG) on RAW264.7 macrophages co-stimulated with lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) using in vitro cellular assays. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis was employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activities of EEP and EEG.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Widely targeted metabolomics was used to analyze metabolites of EEP and EEG. A RAW264.7 macrophage inflammation model was established using LTA and IFN-γ co-stimulation, and optimal concentrations of EEP and EEG were determined. ELISA and RT-qPCR were used to assess inflammatory cytokines, inflammation-related genes, and antioxidant genes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured with a DCFH-DA probe. Transcriptomics, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting were employed to evaluate signaling pathway-related markers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that 1635 metabolites were identified in EEP and 1545 metabolites were identified in EEG by widely targeted metabolomics. Compared to EEG, EEP more effectively inhibited the release of inflammatory factors, regulated inflammatory gene expression, reduced ROS production, and elevated antioxidant gene expression. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed that EEP and EEG suppressed the inflammatory response in LTA/IFN-γ-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by downregulating cell adhesion molecule expression, inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway, and activating the autophagy pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Propolis exhibited superior efficacy over tree gum in suppressing inflammatory responses and enhancing antioxidant defenses. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the quality control and further development of propolis as a potential anti-inflammatory agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100660"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604675","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}