Research on Herb Pairs of Classical Formulae of ZHANG ZhongJing Using Big Data Technology

Objective To analyze various herbal combinations in Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Diseases(Shang Han Lun,《伤寒论》)and Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber(Jin Gui Yao Lve,《金匮要略》),seeking to identify fundamental rules dictating the selection of herbal combinations through probability models and big data technology.Methods A total of 252 formulae were collected from Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Diseases(Shang Han Lun,《伤寒论》)and Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber(Jin Gui Yao Lve,《金匮要略》)by ZHANG Zhong-Jing.Formulae were then preprocessed with all herb names standardized.The concepts of candidate herb pair and candidate herb pair probability were proposed to analyze the rules of combinations in classical formulae based on probability statistics.MapReduce parallel computing framework of distributed big data technology was adopted to analyze large data samples combined with inverted index algorithm.Results The results showed that the core herbs were Glycyrrhizae Radix Rhizoma(Gan Cao,甘草),Cinnamomi Ramulus(Gui Zhi,桂枝),Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens(Sheng Jiang,生姜),Jujubae Fructus(Da Zao,大枣),Paeoniae Radix Alba(Bai Shao,白芍),etc.43 high-frequency pairs co-occurring 10 times or above were extracted,and 35 of these combinations were recognized as traditional herb pairs,such as Cinnamomi Ramulus(Gui Zhi,桂枝)-Glycyrrhizae Radix Rhizoma(Gan Cao,甘草),Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens(Sheng Jiang,生姜)-Jujubae Fructus(Da Zao,大枣),and Cinnamomi Ramulus(Gui Zhi,桂枝)-Ginseng Radix Et Rhizoma(Ren Shen,人参).The other 8 pairs of combinations,such as Paeoniae Radix Alba(Bai Shao,白芍)-Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens(Sheng Jiang,生姜),Paeoniae Radix Alba(Bai Shao,白芍)-Jujubae Fructus(Da Zao,大枣),and Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens(Sheng Jiang,生姜)-Ginseng Radix Et Rhizoma(Ren Shen,人参),were not defined traditionally,but in connection with commonly used herbs.Classical formulae took the core herbs as principles,focusing on tonifying deficiency,strengthening the spleen and the stomach,strengthening the healthy Qi,and eliminating pathogenic factors.The compatibility pattern of properties involved was mainly acrid and sweet,which reflected the compatibility laws of benefiting Qi and tonifying Yang,replenishing Qi and nourishing blood,etc.Conclusions The research of classical formulae provides common understanding of some basic rules that have been adopted to tackle common illnesses/diseases using herbal medicine.The results help to reinforce theoretical understanding and development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),and revealing the hidden rules of combination in TCM data.Analyzing wider data samples of various herbal combinations through computation and big data technology can further optimize the use of TCM.

Evaluation of the famous classic formula Sanhua decoction based on network pharmacology and multi-component quantitative analysis

Background:Sanhua decoction has significant effects in the treatment of stroke.The study of the Sanhua decoction material benchmark was carried out to analyze the value transfer relationship between the Chinese herbal pieces and the substance benchmark.Methods:Network pharmacology was employed to investigate the potential active components and molecular mechanisms of Sanhua decoction in the treatment of stroke.15 batches of Sanhua decoction lyophilized powder were prepared using traditional formulas and subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography analysis to generate fingerprints of the Sanhua decoction substance benchmarks.Then,a multi-component quantitative analysis method was established,allowing for the simultaneous determination of ten components,to study the transfer of quantity values between pieces and substance benchmarks.Results:60 active ingredients were screened from Sanhua decoction by network pharmacology,of which gallic acid,magnolol honokiol,physcion,and aloe-emodin may have a greater effect than other active components.63 key targets and 134 pathways were predicted as the potential mechanism of Sanhua decoction in treating stroke.The fingerprint similarity of the Sanhua decoction substance benchmarks was found to be good among the 15 batches,confirming the 19 common peaks.The content of the 10 components was basically consistent.The components’transfer rates were within 30%of their respective means.Conclusions:This study provided a comprehensive and reliable strategy for the quality evaluation of Sanhua decoction substance benchmarks and held significant importance in improving its application value.

Thoughts on Coronavirus Disease 2019 Based on JingFang Medicine (Classical Chinese Formula) Solutions for COVID-19

This article aims to provide some thoughts on the prevention and treatment of Coronaviras Disease 2019(COVTD-19)from the perspective of JingFang Medicine(Classical Chinese Formula).It is believed that the vague theoretical understanding of COVTD-19 in Traditional Chinese Medicine does not hinder the precise treatment of the disease by following the rale of“With this Zheng,prescribe this Fang.”According to the principle of“Fang-Zheng Correlation”and the knowledge gained from the thousands of years of experience in treating febrile diseases,Xiao Chai Hu Decoction(小柴胡汤)and its modifications are recommended with the emphasis on individualized treatment.As another form of practicing“Fang-Zheng Correlation,”generalized group treatment should also be paid attention to.Giving considerations to(ire historical medical data,Jing Fang Bai Du Powder(荆防败毒散)and Shi Shen Decoction(十神汤)are reconunended for group prevention treatment.Assisting the Zheng(Upright)Qi and using tonic formulas are two entirely different concepts.According to the principle of“Fang-Zheng Correlation,”tonics abuse should be avoided in the prevention of COVID-19,and the using of Huang Qi(黄芪Radix Astragali seu Hedysari)should also be very carefully done.

Thoughts on Coronavirus Disease 2019 Based on JingFang Medicine(Classical Chinese Formula)Solutions for COVID‑19

This article aims to provide some thoughts on the prevention and treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID‑19)from the perspective of JingFang Medicine(Classical Chinese Formula).It is believed that the vague theoretical understanding of COVID‑19 in Traditional Chinese Medicine does not hinder the precise treatment of the disease by following the rule of“With this Zheng,prescribe this Fang.”According to the principle of“Fang‑Zheng Correlation”and the knowledge gained from the thousands of years of experience in treating febrile diseases,Xiao Chai Hu Decoction(小柴胡汤)and its modifications are recommended with the emphasis on individualized treatment.As another form of practicing“Fang‑Zheng Correlation,”generalized group treatment should also be paid attention to.Giving considerations to the historical medical data,Jing Fang Bai Du Powder(荆防败毒散)and Shi Shen Decoction(十神汤)are recommended for group prevention treatment.Assisting the Zheng(Upright)Qi and using tonic formulas are two entirely different concepts.According to the principle of“Fang‑Zheng Correlation,”tonics abuse should be avoided in the prevention of COVID‑19,and the using of Huang Qi(黄芪Radix Astragali seu Hedysari)should also be very carefully done.

Clinical application of traditional herbal medicine in five countries and regions: Japan;South Korea;China's Mainland;Hong Kong, China;Taiwan, China

Objective:To study the characteristics of the clinical application of traditional herbal medicine in five countries and regions where traditional medicine(TM)is widely used:Japan;South Korea;China's Mainland;Hong Kong,China;Taiwan,China.And to analyze,from multiple angles,the variations in the methods of TM used in each countries and regions.Methods:Fifty commonly used traditional herbs(TOP50)from classical formulae were selected,and descriptive statistics,correlation analyses,and Friedman test were used to compare methods of clinical application and dosages in the countries and regions of interest based on a retrospective review of randomly-selected medical records.Results:There were significant differences in sequencing TOP50 among the five countries and regions(P<.01).The adherence to the classical formulae,from strong to weak was Japan;China's Mainland;Taiwan,China;Hong Kong,China;South Korea.There were also significant differences in TOP50 dosing regimens(P<.01).Overall dosages of TOP50 from high to low were:China's Mainland;Hong Kong,China;Taiwan,China;South Korea;Japan.Finally,there were significant differences in the dosage intervals(P<.01),with dosage intervals from maximum to minimum as follows:China's Mainland;Taiwan,China;Hong Kong,China;South Korea;Japan.Conclusions:The clinical dosages of traditional herbal medicine used in the China's Mainland are relatively large compared with those prescribed in the other four countries and regions,and the range of dosages in China's Mainland is more flexible.On the other hand,clinical dosages of TOP50 are the lowest in Japan,where the dosage range is also the narrowest,supporting the idea that Doctors of Kampo medicine are highly cautious and are likely to adhere strictly to classical formulae,while Hong Kong,China and Taiwan,China are in the middle.The dosage of TOP50 in South Korea is significantly lower than that used in the China's Mainland;Hong Kong,China and Taiwan,China where the adherence to the classical formulae was the lowest,albeit slightly higher than that in Japan.The methods of clinical application of traditional herbal medicine in the five countries and regions were affected by multiple factors,including history,geography,climate,and culture.