The potential role of Gegen Qinlian decoction in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 based on network pharmacology and validation of lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages

Background:Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,which has led to deaths and currently lacks an efficient treatment.Despite studies suggesting the potential of the Gegen Qinlian decoction(GQD)in preventing COVID-19,comprehensive analyses of its anti-COVID-19 potential are still lacking.Methods:GQD treatment was evaluated for its efficacy in ameliorating the early stage(24 hours)of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced cytokine storm in vivo.Additionally,target genes of GQD were co-analyzed with COVID-19 signature genes to identify key ingredients and their pathways.Validation was also conducted using an LPS-induced macrophage model.Results:GQD treatment effectively ameliorated the early stage of LPS-induced cytokine storm in vivo.Key ingredients such as quercetin were found to be involved in multiple pathways,including inflammation,immunity,oxidative stress,cell proliferation,and apoptosis,through the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and IL-17 signaling pathway.In the LPS-induced macrophage model,quercetin inhibited macrophage polarization(M1)and the secretion of inflammatory factors(IL-6,TNF-α,IL-17A).Conclusions:Our results indicate that GQD can be utilized in the treatment of cytokine storm induced by COVID-19 and has the potential to treat COVID-19 by suppressing the COVID-19 signature genes and macrophage polarization.

Mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with NAFLD Based on Network Pharmacology

[Objectives]To explore the mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)by analyzing the effective components of Gegen Qinlian Decoction.[Methods]TCMSP database was used to analyze the active components of Gegen Qinlian Decoction,and pubchem and Swiss ADME databases were also used to predict drug targets,extract T2DM complicated with NAFLD targets from OMIM and Genecards databases.Venny plot was drawn to obtain intersection targets,and finally Cytoscape was used to make core target maps and drug-target-disease network maps.Using DAVID and Metascape database to analyze the intersection targets,the gene ontology information of Go and KEGG was obtained.Microbial informatics technology was used to visualize GO,and Cytoscape was used to make drug-target-disease network map-enrichment pathway map.[Results]The network pharmacological analysis showed that Gegen Qinlian Decoction acted on the key targets of type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,such as ALB and ALT1,through many components,and achieved the purpose of treating this disease.The chemical constituents of the drug include formononetin,5-hydroxyisomucronulatol-2,5-2-O-glucoside,cholesteryl laurate,isoliquiritigenin,etc.[Conclusions]This study provides a new idea and theoretical support for future drug research and clinical practice.

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy：a meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE：This meta-analysis was performed to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of the Chinese herbal medicine Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction（HGWWD） for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy.DATA SOURCES：Six electronic databases,including the Cochrane Library,MEDLINE database,Chinese Biomedical Database,Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database,and the Wanfang Database,were search ed on the internet for randomized controlled trials published up until 1 December 2015.The search terms included ＂Chinese herbal medicine＂,＂diabetic peripheral neuropathy＂ and ＂randomized controlled trials＂ in Chinese and in English.DATA SELECTION：We included randomized controlled trials using HGWWD/modified HGWWD for the treatment group,without restriction for the control group.We assessed literature quality in accordance with the Cochrane Review Handbook.A random or a fixed effects model was used to analyze outcomes using Rev Man 5.2 software.OUTCOME MEASURES：The primary outcomes were changes in symptoms and nerve conduction velocities.The secondary outcomeswere fasting blood glucose and hemorheological indexes.RESULTS：Sixteen randomized controlled trials,with a total of 1,173 patients,were included.Meta-analysis revealed that the efficacy of HGWWD for diabetic peripheral neuropathy was significantly superior compared with the control treatment（i.e.,control group）（risk ratio = 0.36,95% confidence interval（CI）：0.29–0.46,Z =8.33,P 〈 0.00001） Compared with the control group,there was an increase in median motor nerve conduction velocity（mean difference（MD） = 3.46,95%CI：1.88–5.04,Z = 4.30,P 〈 0.01） and median sensory nerve conduction velocity（MD = 3.30,95%CI：2.04–4.56,Z = 5.14,P 〈 0.01）.There was also an increase in peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity（MD = 3.22,95%CI：2.45–3.98,Z = 8.21,P 〈 0.01） and peroneal sensory nerve conduction velocity（MD = 3.05,95%CI：2.01–4.09,Z = 5.75,P 〈 0.01） in the treatment groups.No significant difference in fasting blood glucose was found between the treatment groups and the control groups（MD =-0.12,95%CI：-0.42–0.19,Z = 0.76,P = 0.45）.Plasma viscosity was significantly decreased after treatment（MD =-0.11,95%CI：-0.21 to-0.02,Z = 2.30,P = 0.02）.No significant difference in fibrinogen was detectable（MD =-0.53,95%CI：-1.28–0.22,Z = 1.38,P = 0.17）.Four trials reported that treatment groups experienced no adverse reactions.Adverse events were not mentioned in the other 12 trials.No trial reported the incidence of complications,quality of life outcomes,or health economics.CONCLUSION：HGWWD treatment improves diabetic neurologic symptoms and ameliorates nerve conduction velocities.Our study suggests that HGWWD may have significant therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.However,the methodological quality of the randomized controlled trials was generally low.Larger and better-designed randomized controlled trials are required to more reliably assess the clinical effectiveness of HGWWD.

Gualou Guizhi decoction promotes neurological functional recovery and neurogenesis following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Recovery following stroke involves neurogenesis and axonal remodeling within the ischemic brain. Gualou Guizhi decoction （GLGZD） is a Chinese traditional medicine used for the treatment of post-stroke limb spasm. GLGZD has been reported to have neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemic injury. However, the effects of GLGZD on neurogenesis and axonal remodeling following cerebral ischemia remain unknown. In this study, a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Neurologi- cal function was assessed immediately after reperfusion using Longa＇s 5-point scoring system. The rats were randomly divided into vehicle and GLGZD groups. Rats in the sham group were given sham operation. The rats in the GLGZD group were intragastrically administered GLGZD, once daily, for 14 consecutive days. The rats in the vehicle and sham groups were intragastrically administered distilled water. Modified neurological severity score test, balance beam test and foot fault test were used to assess motor functional changes. Nissl staining was performed to evaluate histopathological changes in the brain. Immunofluorescence staining was used to examine cell proliferation using the marker 5-bromo-2＇-deoxyuridine （BrdU） as well as expression of the neural precursor marker doublecortin （DCX）, the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP） and the axon regeneration marker growth associated protein-43 （GAP-43）. GLGZD substan- tially mitigated pathological injury, increased the number of BrdU, DCX and GFAP-immunoreactive cells in the subventricular zone of the ischemic hemisphere, increased GAP-43 expression in the cortical peri-infarct region, and improved motor function. These findings suggest that GLGZD promotes neurological functional recovery by increasing cell proliferation, enhancing axonal regeneration, and in- creasing the numbers of neuronal precursors and astrocytes in the peri-infarct area.

Gegen Qinlian decoction enhances immunity and protects intestinal barrier function in colorectal cancer patients via gut microbiota

BACKGROUND We previously showed,using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database,that Gegen Qinlian decoction(GQD)had a direct antitumor effect,and was combined with programmed cell death protein(PD)-1 inhibitors to treat microsatellite stable(MSS)tumor-bearing mice.However,the effect of GQD on patients with colorectal cancer(CRC)is not clear.AIM To determine the therapeutic mechanism of GQD in improving immune function,reducing inflammation and protecting intestinal barrier function.METHODS Seventy patients with CRC were included in this study:37 in the control group and 33 in the treatment group.The proportions of CD4+T,CD8+T,natural killer(NK),NKT and T regulatory cells were measured by flow cytometry.Levels of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interferon(IFN)-γ,interleukin(IL)-2,IL-6,IL-10 and serotonin(5-hydroxytryptamine;5-HT)in serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expression of zonula occludens(ZO)-1,occludin,nuclear factor(NF)-κB and TNF-αin tumor and normal tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry.The composition of gut microbiota from patients in the treatment group was assessed using 16S rDNA analysis.RESULTS There were no adverse events in the treatment group.The proportion of CD4+T cells and NKT cells in the post-treatment group was significantly higher than that in the pre-treatment and control groups(P<0.05).The level of TNF-αin the posttreatment group was significantly lower than that in the pre-treatment and control groups(P<0.05).The concentration of 5-HT in the post-treatment group was significantly lower than that in the pre-treatment group(P<0.05).The expression of ZO-1 and occludin in tumor tissues in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The expression of ZO-1 in normal tissues of the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P=0.010).Compared with the control group,expression of NF-κB and TNF-αin tumor tissues of the treatment group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the pre-treatment group,GQD decreased the relative abundance of Megamonas and Veillonella.In addition,GQD increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides,Akkermansia and Prevotella.CONCLUSION GQD enhances immunity and protects intestinal barrier function in patients with CRC by regulating the composition of gut microbiota.

Clinical Study of Jiawei Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction (加味黄芪桂枝五物汤) in Preventing and Treating Peripheral Neuro-sensory Toxicity Caused by Oxaliplatin

Objective： To evaluate the efficacy of Jiawei Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction （加味黄芪桂枝五物汤, JHGWD） in treating neuro-sensory toxicity induced by oxaliplatin. Methods： A randomized controlled self-crossover trial was performed. Thirty-one patients were randomly divided into AB and BA groups. Patients in A cycle belonged to the treated group, who were treated with chemotherapy combined with oxaliplatin plus JHGWD. Patients in B cycle belonged to the control group and were treated with chemotherapy alone. The peripheral neuro-sensory toxicity was observed and analyzed. Results： The main neurotoxicity was cold-induced paresthesia after the use of oxaliplatin, which included hyperaesthesia, chill, anaesthesia in the extremities, electrified sensation, formication, foreign body sensation and pain that might be exacerbated by exposure to cold. Twenty patients （64.5 % ） suffered from neuro-sensory toxicity in the treated group and 27 cases （87.1% ） in the control group. Symptoms were more serious and lasted longer in the control group than those in the treated group （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： JHGWD could prevent and reduce the occurence and intensity of acute peripheral neuro-sensory toxicity caused by oxaliplatin.

LC-ESI-MS/MS,a modified method for simultaneous quantification of isoflavonoids,flavonoids,alkaloids and saponins in a Chinese herbal preparation Gegen-Qinlian decoction

A sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-ESI-MS/MS)method was established to simultaneously quantitate four categories of compounds(isoflavonoids,flavonoids,alkaloids and saponins)in Gegen-Qinlian decoction(GQD).These compounds were separated by a Shiseido CAPCELL PAK C18 column with a linear gradient consisting of 0.1%(v/v)formic acid in water(A)and 0.1%(v/v)formic acid in acetonitrile(B),and delivered at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min.All the analytes were determined by electrospray positive ionization tandem mass spectrometry in a multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)mode.Linearity,accuracy,precision,recovery and stability of the method were evaluated with the validation over the range of 4.0-538 5 ng/mL.The proposed method was applied to the analysis of a Chinese herbal preparation GQD successfully.

Administration of modified Gegen Qinlian decoction for hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Hemorrhagic chronic radiation proctitis(CRP) is a common late complication of irradiation of the pelvis and seriously impairs life quality. There is no standard treatment for hemorrhagic CRP. Medical treatment, interventional treatment, and surgery are available, but they are limited in their applications due to nondefinite efficacy or side effects. Chinese herbal medicine(CHM), as a complementary or alternative therapy, may provide another option for hemorrhagic CRP treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 51-year-old woman with cervical cancer received intensity-modulated radiation therapy and brachytherapy with a total dose of 93 Gy fifteen days after hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy. She received six additional cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Nine months after radiotherapy treatment, she mainly complained of 5-6 times diarrhea daily and bloody purulent stools for over 10 d. After colonoscopy examinations, she was diagnosed with hemorrhagic CRP with a giant ulcer. After assessment, she received CHM treatment. The specific regimen was 150 mL of modified Gegen Qinlian decoction(GQD) used as a retention enema for 1 mo, followed by replacement with oral administration of 150 mL of modified GQD three times per day for 5 mo. After the whole treatment, her diarrhea reduced to 1-2 times a day. Her rectal tenesmus and mild pain in lower abdomen disappeared. Both colonoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed its significant improvement. During treatment,there were no side effects, such as liver and renal function damage.CONCLUSION Modified GQD may be another effective and safe option for hemorrhagic CRP patients with giant ulcers.

Study on the molecular mechanism of Gegen Qinlian decoction in the treatment of influenza based on network pharmacology

Objective:The study shows that Gegen Qinlian decoction(GGQL)is feasible in the treatment of influenza.It is explained from traditional Chinese medicine theory and modern pharmacology,and the formula is tested in vitro.The results show that Gegen Qinlian decoction has a good inhibitory effect on influenza virus.Methods:Search TCMSP database to get the components and targets of GGQL,and construct the compound target network.Then search OMIM database and Disgenet database to obtain influenza genes,and the common genes were obtained by VennDiagram.STRING database was used to construct gene function association network.Finally,David database was used to analyze GO enrichment and pathway enrichment.Results:146 ingredients and 128 targets were obtained,588 genes were obtained.46 common genes were obtained by VennDiagram,and import the common genes into the STRING database and construct the gene function association network,then the network information data was imported into Cytoscape software for topology analysis.Finally,13 enriched GO clusters and 7 enriched pathway clusters were obtained by David database,and construct the targets-GO-pathway network.Conclusion:Network pharmacology of GGQL reveal that the target and the pathway of the drug was closely related to influenza,and the results of this study have been verified with published experimental studies,which shows that GGQL has not only theoretical basis for the treatment of influenza,but also in vitro experiments support this conclusion.

Effects of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction on Laboratory Indicators and Immune Functions of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

[Objectives]To explore the effects of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction on laboratory indicators and immune functions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.[Methods]A total of 110 patients with rheumatoid arthritis admitted to the Second Department of Orthopedics,the Affiliated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Nanjing,Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from December 2014 to December 2016 were selected as the research objects and divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method,with 55 cases in each group.The control group was treated with conventional western medicine,and the observation group was treated with Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction on the basis of the control group.Both groups were treated for one month.The clinical effects,improvement of clinical symptoms,laboratory indicators and immune function indicator levels between the two groups were compared;the incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups was counted.[Results]The total effective rate of the observation group was 92.73%,higher than that of the control group(78.18%)(P<0.05).Compared with that before treatment,after one month of treatment,the grip strength of the two groups increased,and the observation group was greater than the control group(P<0.05);the morning stiffness time and 20 m walking time of both groups were shortened,and the observation group was shorter than the control group(P<0.05);the number of joint tenderness,joint swelling,ESR,MPV,PDW,serum CRP,plasma IgA,IgG,IgM,RF levels in both groups decreased,and the observation group was lower than the control group(P<0.05);the serum C3 levels in both groups increased,and the observation group was higher than the control group(P<0.05).During the treatment,the incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 0.00%,which was lower than that in the control group(10.91%,P<0.05).[Conclusions]Using Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction to treat rheumatoid arthritis can improve the laboratory indicators of patients,and enhance their immune functions,improve the curative effect,and the safety is high.

Exploring the mechanism of Guizhi decoction’s“Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi”in treating plant nervous disorders based on weighted network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Guizhi decoction’s“Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi”in treating plant nervous disorders based on network pharmacology and molecular docking methods.Methods:The main active ingredients of Guizhi decoction were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),and plant nervous disorder-related targets were screened from the Gene Cards database,OMIM database,and PharmGKB database.The intersection of the two was obtained.The intersection targets were used to draw a protein interaction network and a“Traditional Chinese Medicine-active ingredient-target”network using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.1.The nodes in the“Traditional Chinese Medicine-active ingredient-target”network were weighted according to the“Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi”principle.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes,and gene ontology enrichment analysis were performed on the intersection targets.Molecular docking was used to verify the affinity between core targets and key ingredients.Results:A total of 225 effective components of Guizhi decoction were screened,among which 127 components could bind to 160 common targets and play a therapeutic role.The common targets were mainly enriched in 2785 gene ontology entries and 189 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways.Molecular docking confirmed that core targets could spontaneously bind to key ingredients.Conclusion:The key targets for the treatment of plant nervous disorders by Guizhi decoction are MAPK1,TP53,RB1,STAT3,MAPK3,MAPK14,etc.,which reflect the characteristics of the synergistic mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine with multiple components,targets,and pathways through the regulation of inflammatory signal pathways and oxidative stress processes.

Potential Mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction for Cervical Spondylosis treatment based on Network Pharmacology

Objective:To study the potential mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction in the treatment of cervical spondylosis based on the network pharmacological method,and to provide a basis for clinical application and pharmacological research.Methods:TCMSP search was used to screen the main active compounds and related action targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction,the standard names of action targets were obtained through the Uniprot database,and the"drug-target"interaction network was constructed by using Cytoscape3.6.1 software.The related targets of cervical spondylosis were obtained by searching GeneCards,OMIM,DisGeNET,and CTD databases,and the disease targets and drug targets were mapped by the Venny platform,and the intersection genes of them were the potential targets for drug treatment of this disease.Then,the intersection genes were input into the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.6.1 software,and the protein-protein interactions(PPI)network of"drug-disease intersection targets"was constructed,and we screened the core targets.Finally,GO biological function analysis and KEGG signaling pathway analysis of core targets were carried out through the DAVID database.Results:According to the screening conditions,74 effective compounds and 138 drug action targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction were obtained,12179 genes related to cervical spondylosis were obtained,and the Venny platform analysis obtained 105 intersecting targets.With visual network processing by Cytoscape software,33 core targets were obtained by analyzing and calculating the core target degree values,which were JUN,PTGS2,NR3C1,TNF,IL6,TP53,EGFR,VEGFA,NOS3,IL1B,and so on.GO analysis showed that there were 133 items(P<0.05),involving adrenergic receptor activation,neurotransmitter receptor activation,nuclear receptor activation,catecholamine binding,etc.KEGG analysis obtained a total of 139 pathways(P<0.05),involving IL-17 signaling pathway,and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,relaxin signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway of diabetic complications,fluid shear stress,and atherosclerosis.Conclusion:the active components in Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction may act on the core targets such as JUN,PTGS2,NR3C1,TNF,IL6,TP53,VEGFA through IL-17 signal pathway,tumor necrosis factor signal pathway,and AGE-RAGE signal pathway of diabetic complications,and exert their therapeutic effects.The research results can provide a basis for future basic and clinical research.

Effects of Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Decoction Combined with Standard Triple Therapy on Reducing Serum CagA and Hp-NAP in Patients with H.pylori-Related Gastritis

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Decoction combined with standard triple therapy on treating H.pylori-related gastritis. METHODS: Eighty-two patients with H. pylori-related gastritis treated in our hospital from January 2016 to December 2017 were selected according to the random number table method and divided into experimental group and control group, with 41 patients in each group. The control group was treated with standard triple therapy, while the experimental group was additionally treated with modified Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Decoction. The venous blood of one elbow was taken before and after treatment. The concentrations of serum CagA and Hp-NAP were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The symptoms were evaluated according to the change of symptom scores before and after the intervention. The H.pylori eradication rate was calculated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in CagA and Hp-NAP concentrations between the 2 groups before intervention(P > 0.05). After intervention, CagA and Hp-NAP concentrations in experimental group were(19.21±6.27) ng/L and(24.37±6.10) ng/L respectively which were lower than(25.81±7.14) ng/L and(32.09±5.73) ng/L of control group. The differences were statistically significant(P < 0.05). The total effective rate of major symptoms in experimental group was 39 cases(95.12%), which was significantly higher than that of the control group(31 cases, 75.61%). There was statistically significant difference between the 2 groups(P < 0.05). The eradication rate of H.pylori was 38 cases(92.68%) in the experimental group, which was significantly higher than 31 cases(75.61%) of the control group. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Decoction combined with standard triple therapy can effectively reduce CagA, Hp-NAP of serum level in patients with H.pylori-related gastritis, improve efficacy of symptoms and eradication rate of H.pylori, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Explanation of Gegen Qinlian Decoction Syndrome and Its Clinical Application

Gegen Qinlian Decoction is one of the commonly used classical prescriptions,which consists of fourherbs:Gegen(Puerariae Lobatae Radix),Huangqin(Scutellariae Radix),Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma),and Zhigancao Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle.The clinical application experience of Gegen Qinlian Decoction is as follows:first,according to Zhongjing Zhang's original text,heat distressing the large intestine with unresolved exterior syndrome is theoriginal meaningof Gegen Qinlian Decoction syndrome.In clinical practice,bacillary dysentery,gastrointestinal cold,etc.,belong to simultaneous exterior and interior disease,which are completely consistent with the original meaning of this prescription;second,the clinical digestive system diseases with exuberant heat of the large intestine as the core manifestation cannot be treated merely based on the exterior syndrome;third,due to the interior-exterior relationship between the lung and the large intestine and between the meridians,the use of Gegen(Puerariae Lobatae Radix),Huangqin(Scutellariae Radix),and Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma)can make the source of body clear,and the waste qi can be released and thepore can be easily opened,so this prescription can also be used for exogenous fever;fourth,with multidimensional comprehensive understanding of the syndrome,pathogenesis,symptoms and pharmacology,Gegen Qinlian Decoction has also been further applied to the treatment of hypertension,diabetes,etc.

Application of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction in Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction(HQGZWWT)is composed of Huangqi(Astragali Radix),Shaoyao(Paeoniae Radix Alba),Guizhi(Cinnamomi Ramulus),Shengjiang(Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens),and Dazao(Jujubae Fructus)which has various pharmacological anti-inflammatory,analgesic,antioxidant,antitumor,lipid-lowering,and immunity-regulating activities.It has certain advantages in the treatment of orthopaedic diseases,such as cervical spondylosis,scapulohumeral periarthritis,lumbar disc herniation,knee osteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis,myofascial pain syndrome,etc.,with outstanding clinical efficacy,few adverse reactions,and high patient compliance.However,modern pharmacological researches on the whole prescription of HQGZWWT are insufficient and the therapeutic targets are not clear which needs further exploration.Besides,this prescription cannot treat ll orthopaedic diseases,so we should adhere to the thinking of four diagnostics in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),select prescriptions based on syndrome differentiation,closely follow the pathogenesis,innovate and expand its scope of application,reflect the application advantages of this prescription in orthopaedics and traumatology and improve the total clinical efficiency.

New Clinical Application of Chaihu Decoction

The classified prescriptions from Chaihu decoction have been widely used in ancient and modern times.In spite of many previous research studies,the extensiveness and diversity of their applications have not been systematically studied.The author applied Chaihu Wendan decoction to treat phlegm and qi stagnation in the middle energizer,applied Chaihu Guizhi decoction to treat simultaneous disease of Shaoyang and Taiyang,applied Chaihu Xiexin decoction to treat simultaneous disease of the spleen,stomach,liver,and gallbladder,applied Chaihu Ermiao powder to treat simultaneous disease of hand Shaoyang and foot Taiyin,applied Chaihu Erchen decoction to treat simultaneous disease of Shaoyang and Taiyin,applied Chailing decoction to treat simultaneous disease of hand Shaoyin and foot Taiyang,applied Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang decoction to treat Shaoyang and Taiyin cold fluid retention and heat stagnation syndrome of Shaoyang complicated with Taiyin,applied Chaihu Xingren decoction to treat simultaneous disease of hand Shaoyang and hand Taiyin,applied Chaihu Sanren decoction to treat the disease caused by damp-heat stagnation in the hand Shaoyang and the foot Taiyin,and applied Chaihu Ganlu Xiaodu pellet to treat the diseases of hand Shaoyang and foot Yangming.The effects were all remarkable.

Clinical Effect of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction Combined with Western Medicine on Children with Rotavirus Enteritis with Damp-Heat Syndrome

[Objectives] To explore the clinical effect of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction combined with western medicine on children with rotavirus enteritis with damp-heat syndrome and its influence on myocardial enzymes.

Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction suppresses inflammation and bone destruction in collagen-induced arthritis mice

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is a chronic inflammatory and destructive arthritis, characterized by inflammatory infiltration and bone destruction. Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction(HGWD) is traditional Chinese medicine, which has been applied in the treatment of RA in clinical. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of HGWD on collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) mouse model.Methods: DBA/1J female mice were used to establish the collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) model. HGWD was administered intragastrically once a day for four weeks starting on the 22nd day after the first immunization. The body weight, hind paw thickness and clinical score were measured every five days. Gait analysis, histopathological staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), ultrasound imaging and micro-computed tomography imaging were performed to determine the effects of HGWD treatment on inflammation and bone structure in this model. Moreover, Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect inflammatory factors m RNA and protein levels after HGWD intervention in RAW264.7 cells.Results: HGWD attenuated symptoms of arthritis, suppressed inflammatory synovium area and the serum levels of inflammatory factors, inhibited joint space enlargement in the knee and ankle joints,reduced numbers of osteoclasts, protected bone destruction, as well as improved motor function.HGWD decreased the expression of m RNA for inflammatory factors and the protein expression levels of p-NF-ΚB and IL-17.Conclusion: These results suggested that HGWD suppresses inflammation, attenuates bone erosion and maintains motor function in collagen-induced arthritis mice.

Identification and characterization of chemical constituents in Mahuang Guizhi Decoction and their metabolites in rat plasma and brain by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS

Objective:Mahuang Guizhi Decoction(MGD),an essential herbal pair in traditional Chinese medicine,is able to release cold,fever and asthma,mainly containing alkaloids,flavonoids,phenylpropanoids and amino acids.However,the absorption and distribution of these four category compounds in vivo still remained unclearly.Methods:In our research,we utilized UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique to identify the constituents within MGD,as well as the prototypes of MGD and their metabolites absorbed in plasma and brain.We further profiled the drug-time curve of prototypes and metabolites of MGD both in plasma and brain.Results:Our results showed that 105 constituents were characterized in MGD.Thirty of them could be absorbed into blood,and ten of them could be distributed into brain.We also discovered eight new bio-transformed metabolites in blood,and a half of which could pass through the blood–brain barrier.In addition,all components detected in vivo could be absorbed and distributed immediately.Conclusion:These findings provide an approachable method to analyze the potential bio-active compounds in MGD and their in vivo behaviors,which could promote the efficacious material basis study of MGD and the security of clinical utilization.

Double-blinded,randomized clinical trial of Gegen Qinlian decoction pinpoints Faecalibacterium as key gut bacteria in alleviating hyperglycemia

Background:Accumulating evidence suggests that metabolic disorders,including type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),can be treated with traditional Chinese medicine formulas,such as the Gegen Qinlian decoction(GQD).This study elucidates the mechanisms by which gut microbes mediate the anti-diabetic effects of GQD.Methods:We conducted a double-blind randomized clinical trial involving 120 untreated participants with T2DM.During the 12-week intervention,anthropometric measurements and diabetic traits were recorded every 4 weeks.Fecal microbiota and serum metabolites were measured before and after the intervention using 16S rDNA sequencing,liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,and Bio-Plex panels.Results:Anti-diabetic effects were observed in the GQD group in the human trial.Specifically,glycated hemoglobin,fasting plasma glucose,and two-hour postprandial blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the GQD group than in the placebo group.Additionally,Faecalibacterium was significantly enriched in the GQD group,and the short-chain fatty acid levels were higher and the serum inflammation-associated marker levels were lower in the GQD group compared to the placebo group.Moreover,Faecalibacterium abundance negatively correlated with the levels of serum hemoglobin,fasting plasma glucose,and pro-inflammatory cytokines.Finally,the diabetes-alleviating effect of Faecalibacterium was confirmed by oral administration of Faecalibacterium prausnitzi(DSMZ 17677)in T2DMmousemodel.Conclusions:GQD improved type 2 diabetes primarily by modulating the abundance of Faecalibacterium in the gut microbiota,alleviating metabolic disorders and the inflammatory state.