Enhanced identification and localization of metabolites in Scutellariae Radix using ion mobility enabled MALDI-Q-TOF/MS imaging

Unraveling the distribution of metabolites in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)provides direct indications for understanding their regulatory and functional basis,which is of paramount significance for better utilization and quality control of medicinal plants[1].Recently,imaging techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy,Raman spectroscopy,and mass spectrometry(MS)were explored to reveal the spatial context of component accumulation and localization[2,3].

Quantitative Analysis of Flavonoids in Scutellariae Radix of Different Sources and Seasonal Variation by HPLC

The seasonal and source variations of flavonoid contents in Scutellariae Radix were investigated by using the materials collected at the same place in Liaoning Province, China, during three years, 1990～1992, and in seven other provinces in China. Four principal flavonoids in the plant roots, i.e., baicalin, baicalein, wogonin 7 O glucuronide and wogonin were analyzed by using a reversed phase chromatographic system with a chemically bonded ODS silica gel column and phosphate buffer methanol (68:32 and 1:1) as mobile phase. The contents of the four compounds combined in the herb collected at Chengde, Hebei Province are the highest. The results show that the best time for harvesting the roots in Liaoning Province is the end of August.

Effect of Scutellariae Radix extract on experimental dextran-sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats

AIM： To investigate the effect of Scutellariae Radix extract （SRE） on ulcerative colitis （UC） in rats induced by dextran-sulfate sodium （DSS）. METHODS： Colitis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats （170-180 g） by 4% dextran sulfate sodium （DSS, wt/v, MW 54000） in drinking water for 8 d. The treated rats received 4% DSS and SRE orally （100 mg/kg per day）. Control rats received either tap water or SRE only. Macroscopic assessment which included body weight changes, fecal occult blood and stool consistency were determined daily. At the appointed time, the rats were sacrificed and the entire colons were removed. The colon length and the myeloperoxidase （MPO） activity were measured. The severity of colitis was graded by morphological and histological assessments. The ion transport activity of the colonic mucosa was assessed by electrophysiological technique. RESULTS： Rats treated with oral administration of 4% DSS regularly developed clinical and macroscopic signs of colitis. Treatment with SRE relieved the symptoms, including the reduction in body weight, shortening 2nd ulceration of the colon. Administration of SRE also significantly reduced the histological damage induced by DSS. Moreover, the Isc responses of the colonic mucosa to forskolin, were suppressed after the induction of colitis. The stimulated ion transport activity of DSS-rats treated with SRE displayed significant improvement in the secretory responsiveness. CONCLUSION： SRE was effective in treating acute DSS- induced ulcerative colitis, as gauged by reduced clinical disease, improved macroscopic and histological damage scores, and enhanced recovery of normal colonic secretory function.

Network pharmacology research and experimental verification of Huangqi(Astragalus Radix)and Jinyingzi(Rosae Laevigatae Fructus)in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia

Objective This study aimed to analyze the mechanism of action of Huangqi(Astragalus Radix,HQ)-Jinyingzi(Rosae Laevigatae Fructus,JYZ)in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)based on network pharmacology and to verify the prediction through animal experimentation.Methods Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN-TCM)databases,and literature,the active components and related target genes of HQ and JYZ were screened.The BPH target genes were screened based on the DisGeNET and GeneGards databases,and Excel was used to merge and remove duplicates.The Perl language was used to obtain drug-BPH target genes by intersecting shared target genes.A drug-component-target gene network diagram was constructed using Cytoscape software.The drug-BPH intersection target genes were inputted into the STRING database,and the key target genes were selected according to the degree algorithm.The output formed the basis for Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses to determine the potential mechanism of HQ and JYZ in BPH treatment.High,medium,and low doses of HQ and JYZ extract were used to intervene in BPH rats,and then the prostate volume,wet weight,and prostate index of the BPH rats were determined.Changes in prostate histopathology and microvessel density(MVD)were evaluated using immunohistochemistry,and the optimal HQ and JYZ extract dose was confirmed.Finally,the optimal dose was used to intervene in a BPH rat model,and AKT1 and VEGF expressions were examined by immunohistochemistry.Results Based on network pharmacology,33 active components and 772 target genes were identified from HQ and JYZ,along with 817 BPH target genes and 112 drug-BPH common target genes.Among them were 10 key target genes,including AKT1,JUN,MAPK1,IL-6,TNF,ESR1,and VEGFA.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed 135 signaling pathways,including PI3K/AKT,IL-17,TNF,p53,MAPK,VEGF,JAK-STAT,and NF-κB pathways.The animal experiment showed that HQ and JYZ significantly improved prostate volume,wet weight,prostate index,and prostate histopathology of BPH rats,reducing MVD.In addition,HQ and JYZ inhibited the expression of AKT1 and VEGF in the prostate tissue of rats,promoted epithelial cell apoptosis,and inhibited angiogenesis,consistent with the prediction.Conclusion The combination of HQ and JYZ is effective for BPH therapy through multi-compound and multi-target collaboration.Its possible mechanism in treating BPH includes regulation of AKT1,VEGF protein,PI3K/Akt,and VEGF signaling pathways related to apoptosis,angiogenesis,and inflammation,with potential for clinical use and research.

Uncovering the mechanism of Scutellariae Radix in the treatment of breast cancer based on network pharmacology

Breast cancer(BCa)is one of the most common malignant tumors that seriously affect women’s physical and mental health and even endanger their lives.Establishing a primary prevention program for BCa remains a challenge.Traditional Chinese medicine,Scutellariae Radix(SR),has been used to treat BCa while its pharmacological mechanism is still unclear.This study aims to reveal the pharmacological mechanism of SR in the treatment of BCa.Chemical constituents of SR were obtained and the targets of the compound were identified via Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database(TCMSP).GeneCards and DrugBank databases were used to collect BCa’s related target genes.Disease-compound common target protein interaction network was established by using the STRING database.The network diagrams of the active component-action target and protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed by Cytoscape software.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses were carried out to further explore the BCa mechanism and therapeutic effect of SR.As a result,121 active compounds were obtained.The Venn diagram results showed that SR and BCa had 57 intersection targets,the more frequently targeted ones are TP53,JUN,CCND1,AKT1,which could affect biological processes such as response to steroid hormone and positive regulation of cell death.KEGG analysis revealed that these targets were related to IL-17 signaling pathway,p53 signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.In conclusion,this study preliminarily verified the target and mode of action of SR in the treatment of BCa,laying a foundation for further research on its mechanism.

A Novel Extraction Method of Baicalin from Radix Scutellariae

A novel extraction method of baicalin from radix scutellariae was explored in this study. Liquid-liquid continuous biphasic extraction was a new method, and showed the advantage of high extracting contents of total flavone compared with one of the traditional methods. The novel extraction method which is easy to operate and has good reproducibility was much more effective than the traditional one.

基于TGF-β/Smad信号通路探讨黄芪有效成分治疗纤维化疾病综述

黄芪是一种传承千年的传统中药材。现代药物研究已证实黄芪组成成分丰富,比如皂苷类和多糖类成分,其中黄芪甲苷和黄芪多糖都是其产生药理作用的主要活性成分。现代医学研究表明,黄芪能改善肺纤维化进程、对抗肾间质纤维化、降低肝脏和心肌纤维化疾病程度。通过对黄芪的基于信号通路TGF-β/Smad抗纤维化功能进行综述,深入探究其主要成分作用特点,进一步丰富其药理活性机制,为中西医临床提供药效理论依据。

黄芪免疫调节活性成分及其药理作用进展

免疫性疾病发生率逐年增长,目前免疫抑制剂、糖皮质激素、生物制剂等为其主要治疗手段,但存在治疗过度、治疗不足、毒副作用大等问题。黄芪及其有效成分免疫调节活性显著,具有双向调节免疫、抗炎、抗氧化应激、抗肿瘤等药理作用,在治疗肿瘤、重症肌无力、炎症性肠病、特应性皮炎、银屑病等免疫性疾病方面疗效突出。黄芪可多途径、多靶点防治免疫性疾病,现综述黄芪及其活性成分(黄芪皂苷Ⅲ、黄芪皂苷Ⅳ、环黄芪醇及黄酮类化合物)调节免疫的作用及机制,为后续临床研究提供依据。

黄芪抗病毒药效物质基础和作用机制研究进展

黄芪是扶正补气的中药,是临床常用的中药之一。黄芪含有多种化学成分,包括多糖类、黄酮类和皂苷类等,具有抗病毒、抗肿瘤、调节免疫功能等药理作用,其中抗病毒作用突出。黄芪抗病毒可通过多种方式实现,如直接杀灭病毒、阻滞病毒对细胞的吸附穿入、抑制病毒的复制和释放、抑制病毒RNA和蛋白质的合成与表达,还可促进免疫器官的发育、增强先天免疫、增强细胞免疫和体液免疫及调节相关信号通路等。黄芪抗病毒具有安全、低毒、高效等特点,值得进一步开发研究。总结了黄芪抗病毒的药效物质基础及作用机制,为其开发利用及其中药临床研究提供理论依据。

黄芩提取物磷脂复合物自微乳给药系统的制备与体外释放度评价

目的:基于磷脂复合物(PC)研究黄芩提取物(BA)自微乳给药系统(SMEDDS)的处方设计及制备工艺,并进行体外质量评价。方法:以BA-PC为中间体,通过溶解度实验、绘制伪三元相图和星点设计-效应面法确定BA-PC-SMEDDS的最佳处方;优化制备工艺并对其理化性质、稳定性、体外释放度进行评价。结果:BA-PC-SMEDDS最优处方为油酸乙酯为油相,吐温-80为乳化剂,二乙二醇单乙醚为助乳化剂;油相质量分数14.39%,Km值2.71,为简化处方,将处方修定为油相质量分数14.5%,混合乳化剂Km2.7;平均粒径为(16.83±0.04)nm,多分散系数(PDI)为(0.127±0.002),Zeta电位为(-12.02±0.03)mV,载药量为(16.75±0.09)mg/g;BA-PC-SMEDDS在pH为1.2、5.0、7.4的缓冲盐溶液中具有良好的体外释放效果。结论:BA-PC-SMEDDS粒径小,载药量高,外观良好,性质稳定,提高了难溶性成分黄芩苷的溶解度及体外释放度,具有增加口服生物利用度的潜力。

Two proved recipes:Huangqin Fuling Tang and Huangqin Longgu Muli Tang

Huangqin Fuling Tang Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 10-15g, Fu Ling (Poria) 15-30g, Tao Ren (Semen Persicae) 10-15g, Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan Radicis) 10-15g, Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) 15-20g Huangqin Longgu Muli Tang Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 10-15g, Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) 15-30g, Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) 10-15g, Duan Long Gu (Os Draconis calcined) 15-30g, (wrap-boiling 20 minutes first), Duan Mu Li (Calcined oyster calcined) 15-30g, (wrap-boiling 20 minutes first), Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) 5-8 pieces.

A network pharmacology approach to investigate the mechanism of“Huangqi-Shanzhuyu”in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Background:To explore the action mechanism of Huangqi(Radix Astragali)and Shanzhuyu(Fructus Corni)in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy based on network pharmacology,aiming to provide a basis for clinical application.Methods:The main active components of Huangqi and Shanzhuyu were discerned through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database(TCMID).The targets related to diabetic nephropathy(DN)were obtained using Genecards,Therapeutic Target Database(TTD),and National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI)Gene.Subsequently,protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed with Cytoscape 3.7.2 and the STRING database.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analyses were performed to analyze the intersection of targets via Database for Annotation,Visualization,and Integrated Discovery(DAVID)6.8.Built on the above analysis,we made a“Chinese medicine-chemical composition-target gene-disease”network.Results:Twenty-one active components were predicted from the Huangqi and Shanzhuyu herb pair,such as jaranol,mandenol and sitosterol.These components were applied to 41 targets mainly involved in many biological processes such as the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)signaling pathway,regulation of sodium ion transport and steroid-binding.Conclusion:This study proposes the network pharmacology method and identifies the potent combination therapeutic mechanism of Huangqi and Shanzhuyu for diabetic nephropathy(DN)through multiple targets and routes,this strategy will lay a good foundation for further in-depth study of the mechanism of action.

三黄膏质量标准提升研究

目的:提升三黄膏的质量标准。方法:制备三黄膏,进行性状观察和粒度检查,采用薄层色谱法对该制剂中的黄连药材进行定性鉴别,采用高效液相色谱法测定该制剂中的小檗碱、表小檗碱、黄连碱、巴马汀含量并规定其总含量限度。结果:本研究所制得的三黄膏为黄色至棕黄色的软膏;粒度检查符合相关规定;建立的薄层色谱法专属性强,可准确鉴别黄连药材;小檗碱、表小檗碱、黄连碱、巴马汀的平均总含量为4.01 mg/g,其含量限度不得少于3.21 mg/g。结论:本研究建立的三黄膏质量标准稳定、可行,可有效控制该制剂的质量。

枯芩与条芩提取物对湿热型溃疡性结肠炎大鼠的药效学比较研究

目的比较枯芩、条芩提取物对湿热型溃疡性结肠炎(UC)大鼠模型的药效学差异。方法50只健康SD大鼠随机分为5组:正常组、模型组、枯芩组、条芩组和美莎拉嗪组,每组10只。采用高脂高糖饲料喂养+高度白酒灌胃+5%葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)联合诱导法,建立湿热型UC大鼠模型;各组分别于造模第1天开始灌胃给药,枯芩组、条芩组给药剂量均为5.25 g·kg^(-1)·d^(-1),美沙拉嗪组给药剂量为0.266 g·kg^(-1)·d^(-1),正常组、模型组灌服等体积生理盐水。连续给药28 d。观察大鼠一般情况;评价大鼠体质量变化和疾病活动指数(DAI)评分;称取大鼠结肠质量,量取结肠长度,并计算结肠单位长度质量;进行大鼠结肠组织HE染色和PAS染色,观察大鼠结肠组织病理学变化;Elisa法检测大鼠血清白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)、转化生长因子-β_(1)(TGF-β_(1))炎症因子水平。结果与正常组比较,模型组大鼠的体质量显著降低,结肠长度显著缩短,DAI评分、结肠质量、结肠单位长度质量和血清IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β水平均显著增加,TGF-β_(1)水平显著降低(P<0.01);结肠组织上皮层发生脱落,边缘散乱,隐窝不清晰,黏膜层有水肿,炎症细胞浸润且入侵黏膜下层,肠腺紊乱。与模型组比较,枯芩组、条芩组、美沙拉嗪组大鼠上述指标和相关症状均有明显改善(P<0.05,P<0.01);与枯芩组比较,条芩组、美沙拉嗪组在增加结肠单位长度质量、降低DAI评分、改善炎症因子水平方面均优于枯芩组(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论枯芩、条芩提取物对湿热型UC大鼠均有较好的改善作用,且条芩优于枯芩。

枯芩与条芩提取物对湿热型溃疡性结肠炎大鼠肠道菌群的影响及肠黏膜屏障的保护作用机制

目的探讨枯芩、条芩提取物对湿热型溃疡性结肠炎(UC)大鼠肠道菌群的影响及对肠黏膜屏障的保护作用机制。方法50只健康SD大鼠随机分为5组:正常组、模型组、枯芩组、条芩组和美莎拉嗪组,每组10只。采用高脂高糖饲料喂养+高度白酒灌胃+5%葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)联合诱导法,建立湿热型UC大鼠模型;各组分别于造模第1天开始灌胃给药,枯芩组、条芩组给药剂量均为5.25 g·kg^(-1)·d^(-1),美沙拉嗪组给药剂量为0.266 g·kg^(-1)·d^(-1),正常组、模型组灌服等体积生理盐水。连续给药28 d。给药结束后,收集大鼠无菌粪便,解剖取大鼠结肠黏膜组织,进行匀浆,Elisa法检测大鼠结肠黏膜白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-1β(IL-1β)炎症因子水平;采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(qRT-PCR)法检测大鼠结肠组织紧密连接蛋白-1(claudin-1)、黏蛋白2(MUC2)、咬合蛋白(occludin)、闭锁小带蛋白-1(ZO-1)mRNA表达水平;采用16S rDNA测序技术检测大鼠粪便肠道菌群数量及丰度。结果与正常组比较,模型组大鼠结肠黏膜IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β炎症因子含量均明显上升(P<0.01),Claudin-1、MUC2、Occludin、ZO-1 mRNA表达水平均明显上升(P<0.01);给药28 d后,与模型组比较,各给药组大鼠结肠黏膜IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β水平均出现显著的降低(P<0.01),Claudin-1、MUC2、Occludin、ZO-1m RNA表达水平均出现不同程度的显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01);与枯芩组比较,条芩组、美沙拉嗪组在降低IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β、Claudin-1、Occludin、ZO-1 mRNA表达水平方面均优于枯芩组(P<0.05或P<0.01),对MUC2指标改善不明显,以美沙拉嗪组药效最好。肠道菌群测序结果显示,湿热型UC模型组大鼠肠道菌物种多样性及丰度降低,厚壁杆菌门(firmicutes)、拟杆菌门(bacteroidota)相对丰度明显减少(P<0.05),变形菌门(proteobacteria)相对丰度显著增加(P<0.05),枯芩组、条芩组对厚壁杆菌门、拟杆菌门明显增多(P<0.05),变形菌门明显减少(P<0.05),美沙拉嗪组调节菌群作用不明显(P>0.05)。枯芩组和条芩组也有一定的差异性,枯芩组长于增加厚壁菌门,条芩组长于增加拟杆菌门。结论枯芩、条芩可能通过回调失衡的肠道菌群,保护肠道黏膜屏障受损,抑制炎症反应,从而发挥治疗湿热型UC的作用。

枯芩与条芩提取物对湿热型溃疡性结肠炎大鼠Th17/Treg免疫失衡的调节机制研究

目的比较枯芩、条芩提取物对湿热型溃疡性结肠炎(ulcerative colitis,UC)大鼠模型辅助性T细胞17(Th17)/调节性T细胞(Treg)细胞因子及转录因子维甲酸相关孤儿受体(ROR-γt)/叉头翼状螺旋转录因子3(Foxp3)表达的影响。方法50只健康SD大鼠随机分为5组:正常组、模型组、枯芩组、条芩组和美莎拉嗪组,每组10只。采用高脂高糖饲料喂养+高度白酒灌胃+5%葡聚糖硫酸钠(dextran sulfate sodium,DSS)联合诱导法,建立湿热型UC大鼠模型;各组分别于造模第1天开始灌胃给药,枯芩组、条芩组给药剂量均为5.25 g·kg^(-1)·d^(-1),美沙拉嗪组给药剂量为0.266 g·kg^(-1)·d^(-1),正常组、模型组灌服等体积生理盐水。连续给药28 d。给药结束后,麻醉大鼠,腹主动脉取血,分离血清,Elisa法检测大鼠血清白介素-6(IL-6)、IL-17A、IL-10、转化生长因子-β_(1)(TGF-β_(1))水平;分离脾脏和结肠组织,采用流式细胞术检测脾脏Th17、Treg细胞比例,计算Th17/Treg比值;采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(qRT-PCR)法检测结肠组织ROR-γt、Foxp3 mRNA表达水平;免疫蛋白印迹(western blot)法检测结肠组织ROR-γt、Foxp3蛋白表达水平。结果与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清IL-6、IL-17A、脾脏Th17细胞比例、Th17/Treg、结肠组织ROR-γt mRNA和蛋白表达水平均显著增加(P<0.01),血清IL-10、IL-35、TGF-β_(1)、脾脏Treg细胞比例、结肠组织Foxp3 mRNA和蛋白表达水平均显著降低(P<0.01);给药28 d后,与模型组比较,各给药组大鼠血清IL-6、IL-17A、脾脏Th17细胞比例、Th17/Treg、结肠组织ROR-γt mRNA和蛋白表达水平出现不同程度的降低(P<0.05或P<0.01),血清IL-10、IL-35、TGF-β_(1)、脾脏Treg细胞比例、结肠组织Foxp3 mRNA和蛋白表达水平出现不同程度的升高(P<0.05或P<0.01);与枯芩组比较,条芩组、美沙拉嗪组在降低IL-6、IL-17A,增加IL-10、IL-35、TGF-β_(1)水平,调节ROR-γt mRNA和蛋白表达方面(P<0.05或P<0.01)均优于枯芩组。结论枯芩、条芩可能通过调控转录因子ROR-γt、Foxp3表达,恢复Th17/Treg免疫失衡,抑制炎症反应,从而保护肠道黏膜屏障受损,发挥治疗湿热型UC的作用。

黄芩炭最佳炮制工艺的研究

目的 优选黄芩炭的最佳炮制工艺。方法 在单因素实验基础上选取合适的实验因素水平并采用L_9(3~4)正交实验设计,以总黄酮含量及黄芩素含量为指标,优选出黄芩炭的最佳炮制工艺,并进行工艺验证。结果 黄芩炭的最佳炮制工艺为炮制温度220℃,炮制时间为12min,炮制时的翻炒频率为20次/min。结论 该实验优选出的黄芩炭最佳炮制工艺稳定可行,可为黄芩炭的质量控制提供参考。

黄芩化学成分、药理作用和质量控制的研究进展

黄芩为我国临床常用的传统中药材,具有清热燥湿、泻火解毒的功效,临床常用于治疗湿温、暑湿、泻痢、黄疸、肺热咳嗽、血热吐衄等多种病证。现代药理学实验结果表明,黄芩提取物具有抗肿瘤、抗菌、抗氧化、保护神经元等多种生物活性,可用于治疗消化系统、心血管系统、神经系统的相关疾病。现今市场上流通的黄芩商品覆盖了不同产地、不同规格、不同年限的药材,此外,在我国部分区域,存在黄芩属同属不同种植物被视为黄芩代用品的情况,如甘肃黄芩与滇黄芩。鉴于黄芩复杂的使用现状,文章对近年来黄芩化学成分、药理活性及质量控制研究结果进行了总结归纳,以期为黄芩的进一步研究提供参考。

黄芪黄酮类成分及其药理作用研究

黄芪是豆科黄芪属多年生草本植物。中药黄芪历史悠久,作为中国传统中药之一,具有应用范围广、药用价值高等特点。黄芪的化学成分主要包含黄芪甲苷、黄芪多糖、黄芪黄酮、氨基酸等。近年来药理研究表明黄芪中黄酮类成分具有抗肿瘤、抗炎、抗氧化、抗病毒、免疫调节、降血糖等多种药理作用,其抗肿瘤作用效果显著,成为近年来学者们广泛研究的热点。文章对黄芪黄酮的化学成分及其药理作用相关文献进行搜集、检索、查阅、归纳与整理,并进行系统概括与总结,以期为黄芪黄酮类成分进一步开发与利用提供理论依据。

黄芪治疗高血压肾病研究进展

高血压是导致慢性肾脏病的主要原因之一。现代医学认为,肾素-血管紧张素-醛固酮系统的激活、交感神经兴奋性的升高、血管内皮功能障碍、氧化应激和炎症反应是导致高血压肾病的主要病理学机制,而肾脏纤维化是其最常见的病理学特征。目前认为,控制血压是治疗高血压肾病的关键,在临床治疗中通常通过应用降压药控制高血压肾病的发生和发展。但是,有研究报道指出,强化降压对改善高血压所导致的肾功能损害和肾脏纤维化并未达到预期的效果。因此,探明高血压肾病的发病机制并寻求新的治疗方法具有重要的临床意义。中医学认为,高血压肾病以气虚血瘀为基本病机,益气活血为其主要治法。黄芪具有补气及“逐恶血”的作用,常用于益气活血方中。诸多研究表明,黄芪及其制剂具有多种药理学作用,其中包括调节血压、抑制氧化应激和炎症反应、调节血管活性物质和保护血管内皮细胞及抑制纤维化。与单纯西药治疗相比,联合中药在治疗慢性肾脏病方面更具优势。然而,针对黄芪治疗高血压肾病,尚缺乏系统的阐述。因此,从传统医学及现代医学方面系统地论述黄芪治疗高血压肾病的药理学机制,从而为更好地促进黄芪及其制剂在高血压肾病的临床应用提供坚实的药理学依据。