Physiological and pharmacological functions of G protein coupled receptor 124:A review

G protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs)are the largest protein superfamily in the body,expressed in various tissues and organs,and are currently one of the most important clinical drug targets.Recently,a class of GPCRs without endogenous ligands(orphan GPCRs)have been discovered.They exhibit different physiological functions in the body and act extensively on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems.Among them,G protein-coupled receptor 124(GPR124)is an orphaned member of the G protein coupled receptor adhesion family that has attracted much attention.It plays a key role in promoting cerebral angiogenesis and maintaining the stability of the blood-brain barrier.It also associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral ischemia and atherosclerosis.However,the role of GPR124 in these diseases,the associated signaling pathways,and possible drug intervention targets are still unclear.This article summarizes the physiological effects,pharmacological effects and related signal pathways of GPR124 published in the field of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases published in recent years,in order to provide a reference for the study of the role of GPR124 in the occurrence and development of diseases.

Advances in Studies on Pharmacological Functions of Ligustilide and their Mechanisms

The article reviewed the research progress of ligustilide in recent years and elaborated its pharmacological functions and mechanisms in detail, especially in ischemic brain injury. Its mechanism includes reducing cerebral infarct volumes and improving neurobehavioral deficits, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis, antithrombotic activity, calcium channel blockers function, and effect on erythropoietin. Other pharmacological effects of ligustilide including inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, effects on LPS-induced endotoxic shock, inhibiting constriction effect, suppression of the central nervous system, and ameliorating the memory impairment induced by scopolamine and so on, are also introduced. Ligustilide has potential pharmacological value, which provides a reference for its further research and development.

Comparison on Traditional and Machinery Decoctions for Da-cheng-qi Decoction Based on Chemical Ingredients, Pharmacological Functions, and Clinical Trials

Objective Patients and doctors often have questions about the equivalence of traditional and machinery decoctions. In this article, using Da-cheng-qi Decoction（DCQD） as a model of formula, traditional decoction（TD）, machinery decoction under high pressure（MDHP）, and machinery decoction under normal pressure（MDNP） were compared. Methods For chemical components, HPLC fingerprints were established and evaluated using AHP combined with CRITIC weighing method; For animals＇ effects, the experiments of small intestinal propulsion were conducted; For clinical effects, a randomized clinical trial（RCT） was designed and performed. Results Although there were some differences between TD and MDNP in chemical ingredients, there was no significant difference in animal experiments and clinical trials（P 〉 0.05）. Conclusion The traditional and machinery decoctions of DCQD could be used bioequivalently.

Research Advances in Extraction and Functions of Ginkgo Flavonoids

Ginkgo flavonoids are one of the most effective medicinal components extracted from leaves of Ginkgo biloba L.According to the physical and chemical properties of ginkgo flavonoids,they can be separated and purified by resin adsorption,supercritical extraction and solvent methods.Previous studies have proved that ginkgo flavonoids have pharmacological functions in promoting blood circulation,anti-oxidation,anti-aging,improving memory,anti-tumor and liver protection,etc.Ginkgo flavonoids have been used clinically to treat angina pectoris,coronary heart disease,myocardial ischemia,hypertension,hyperlipidemia,diabetes,alzheimer's disease,atherosclerosis,gastric cancer and ovarian malignancy and other difficult miscellaneous diseases.

Potential pharmaceutical resources of the Qinling Mountain in central China:medicinal fungi

The present investigation on fungal diversity shows that there were rich fungal resources of up to 196 species,belonging to 41 families and 90 genera,in the Qinling Mountainous Range of central China.The dominant families were Polyporaceae,Russulaceae,Tricholomatacea and Lycoperdaceae,which comprised 107 species,54.59%of the total species.The dominant genera were Russula,Lactarius,Trametes,Phellinus,Coprinus,Lycoperdon,Suillu,and Calvatia,which consisted of 59 species,30.09%of the total species.According to the geographical characteristics,the genera were grouped into:cosmopolitan element(74.98%),pantropical element(3.57%),tropical element(1.02%)and north temperate element(21.43%),with the cosmopolitan element constituting the majority.Among these,the cosmopolitan and North Temperate Zone were characteristic of this region.Based on relevant literature review,the primary pharmaceutical action of the medicinal fungi in Qinling Mountain can be classified as follows:anti-cancer,anti-bacteria,anti-inflammation,relief of muscle rigidity and activation of collaterals,hemostasis,immunological regulation,as well as nourishing the stomach and tonification which means enhancing the body system.