The analysis of acupoint selection rules for acupuncture treating functional constipation

Objective: To analyze the prescription rule of acupuncture for functional constipation (FC), and explore the effective core clinical acupuncture prescriptions. Methods:The randomized controlled trials published in the PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were retrieved from January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2020. And the key information about acupuncture therapy for FC in these RCTs was collected according to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eventually, the statisticians analyzed the use frequency of single acupoints and meridian acupoints by descriptive statistical method and explored the combination rule between different acupoints by association rules. Results: Twenty six randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 29 acupoints. Tianshu (ST25), Shangjuxu (ST37) and Zhongwan (RN12) were the top 3 frequency of acupuncture therapy for FC and the top 3 frequency meridian had been chosen were the stomach meridian of Foot-Yangming, the spleen meridian of Foot-Taiyin and Ren channel. The two acupoints with high support and compatibility frequency ranking in the top 3 are Tianshu (ST25) - Shangjuxu (ST37), Tianshu (ST25) - Zhongwan (RN12), Tianshu (ST25) - Zusanli (ST36). The three acupoints with compatibility frequency ranking in the top 2 are Tianshu (ST25) - Shangjuxu (ST37) - Zusanli (ST36), and Tianshu (ST25) - Shangjuxu (ST37) - Zhigou (SJ6). Conclusion: Tianshu (ST25) is the most common acupoint for acupuncture therapy of FC. Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) are the core acupoints to provide basis for clinical practice and future clinical research.

Selection of quality markers of Jasminum amplexicaule based on its anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory activities: Effect-target affiliation-traceability-pharmacokinetics strategy

Objective:To investigate therapeutic mechanism in Jasminum amplexicaule(Oleaceae)and verify its main active component as quality control markers Methods:Established mouse models of diarrhea,intestinal angina,and inflammation were firstly used to select herb fractions with optimum efficacy,followed by an in vitro experiment to determine key targets associated with effects of J.amplexicaule extract.The selected fractions were isolated and purified,its components were identified,and the obtained compounds were verified for their effects on NF-κB and i NOS.Finally,effective compounds were administered to rats,their plasma pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated,and quality markers(QMs)reflecting therapeutic activities of J.amplexicaule were confirmed.Results:Trichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions had significant anti-diarrheal,anti-inflammatory,and analgesic effects.The trichloromethane fraction also reduced BDNF,p38 MAPK,p-p38 MAPK,NF-κB p65,and p-NF-κB p65 levels in the ileum in a rhubarb-induced diarrhea mouse model.Additionally,it inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB transcription and nitric oxide(NO)production in RAW264.7 macrophages,which suppressed i NOS expression.Therefore,the trichloromethane fraction was further investigated.QMs candidate selection identified 17 compounds,and results of in-vitro therapeutic validation indicated that methyl caffeate and isochlorogenic acid B had the strongest anti-diarrheal,anti-inflammatory,and analgesic activities.After being validated by a UHPLC–MS-MS method,concentrations of these target compounds were accurately determined in the rat plasma and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.Cmax,tmax,and t1/2 were respectively 575.35 ng/mL(2.963 nmol/mL),0.5 h,and 0.45 h for methyl caffeate and 262.03 ng/m L(0.5034 nmol/mL),0.25 h,and 2.03 h for isochlorogenic acid B.Because these candidate compounds exhibited favorable pharmacokinetics,they were considered as QMs of J.amplexicaule.Conclusions:The present study accurately and effectively identified QMs of J.amplexicaule that act as indicators of efficacy and quality.