Comprehensive effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on heart failure and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),a common cardiovascular condition,is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality.While traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is often used as a complementary approach in HF management,systematic evalua-tions of its impact on clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP)levels are lacking.This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials(RCTs)focusing on TCM for HF treatment.It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality,a meta-analysis,and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards.The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management.RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang,VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal,and PubMed.Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool,and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software.Finally,the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria.RESULTS A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved.After screening,16 RCTs were finally included in our study,which were published between 2020 and 2023.These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients,including 832 in the TCM group[TCM combined with conventional Western medicine(CMW)treatment]and 828 in the CWM group(CWM treatment).The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months.TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs.In all included RCTs,outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes,TCM syndrome scores,and BNP levels.The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes[risk ratio=-0.54;95%confidence interval(CI)=-0.61,-0.47;P<0.00001],TCM syndrome scores[weighted mean difference(WMD)=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001],and BNP levels(WMD=-142.07;95%CI=-147.56,-136.57;P<0.00001).According to the GRADE criteria,RCTs where"TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes"were rated as low-quality evidence,and RCTs where"TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores"or"TCM decreases BNP levels"were rated as medium-quality evidence.CONCLUSION TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients.Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs,the application of these results should be cautious.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Modern Rehabilitation Training Improves the Spasticity and Motor Function of Hemiplegia after Stroke

Objective:To analyze the impact of comprehensive rehabilitation therapy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)(based on modern rehabilitation training)on the spasticity and motor function in stroke patients with hemiplegia.Methods:Seventy-nine stroke and hemiplegia patients admitted to the hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a control group(39 cases)using modern rehabilitation training,and an observation group combined with comprehensive TCM rehabilitation therapy(40 cases),over 1 month.The clinical index data of the two groups were compared.Results:There were differences in the clinical index data between the two groups.The total effective rate after 2 treatment in the observation group(92.50%)was higher than that of the control group(74.36%)(χ^(2)=4.727,P<0.05).All central sensitization inventory(CSI)and stroke quality of life(PRO)scores in both groups were lower after treatment,with the observation group having lower scores as compared to the control group(P<0.05).The scores of FMA(upper limbs,lower limbs),Barthel index scores,and Functional Ambulation Categories(FAC)scores of both groups increased after treatment,with the observation group having higher scores as compared to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comprehensive TCM rehabilitation therapy had a significant therapeutic effect on patients with hemiplegia after stroke.It improved the patient’s spasticity,limb movement,and walking function.Their daily living abilities and quality of life were also enhanced.

Clinical Observation on the Prevention and Treatment of Juvenile Mild Myopia with Traditional Chinese Medicine Comprehensive Therapy

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of traditional Chinese medicine on the prevention and treatment ofjuvenile mild myopia.Methods:One hundred and twenty cases of juvenile mild myopia were randomly divided into six groups,with 20 cases in each group:western medicine group,ultrasonic group,acupuncture group,auricular point group,traditional Chinese oral decoction group,and traditional Chinese medicine comprehensive therapy group.The therapeutic effects of the treatment administered to the six groups were compared.Result:In the post-treatment and follow-up stages,the visual acuity of the traditional Chinese medicine comprehensive therapy group significantly improved along with reduced diopter compared to the other groups(p<0.05).However,the axial length of the six groups had no significant change compared with that before treatment(p>0.05).There were no adverse reactions in any of the patients.Conclusion:In the treatment of juvenile mild myopia,traditional Chinese medicine comprehensive therapy has good therapeutic effect without any adverse reactions;thus,it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Evidence-based optimization of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapies for prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease： design and implementation

As a chronic disease that seriously endangers public health, the number of coronary heart disease （CHD） patients in China has increased in recent years. There is great potentiality to integrate traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapies to prevent and treat CHD in clinical practice. However, most of the current integrated therapies still lack sufficient high-quality evidence, and the key links in how to apply are unclear. It is urgent to optimize them through evidence-based research to further improve the effectiveness. Therefore, we propose strategies to conduct evidence-based optimization of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine therapies in prevention and treatment of progressive cardiovascular diseases. These are integrated clinical trial design, attention to the key links of taking effect, combination of clinical and basic research. Based on the strategies, we started the national key research and development project ＂Evidence-based optimization research of TCM therapies in prevention and treatment of CHD （angina pectoris - myocardial infarction - heart failure）＂, which is expected to be a new paradigm in the field.

Study on prescription medication mode and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of noncritical COVID-19 based on data mining

Background:As of 2023,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is still spreading globally.Therefore,we aim to integrate non-critical COVID-19 high-frequency and high-targeting Chinese medicines to provide a reference for clinical prescriptions to improve COVID-19-related symptoms.Materials and methods:The information on non-critical COVID-19 high-frequency Chinese medicines in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 was obtained by the TCM inheritance support platform.Using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,high-targeting Chinese medicines with good docking activity with COVID-19 receptors angiotensin-converting enzyme-II(ACE2),3CLpro and tyrosine-protein kinase receptor UFO(AXL)were obtained.A new prescription for non-critical COVID-19 was established by integrating high-frequency and high-targeting Chinese medicines.Rats with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide were used as the experimental model.The histopathological changes in the lungs of rats in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The lung coefficient of rats was measured.The levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1βin serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The mRNA and protein levels of ACE2 and AXL in lung tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot.Results:Through data mining,it was found that there were 39 high-frequency traditional Chinese medicines for non-critical COVID-19 in the diagnosis and treatment guidelines.According to network pharmacology and molecular docking,30 highly targeted traditional Chinese drugs for COVID-19 were found.The new prescriptions for non-critical COVID-19 were comprehensively obtained,including Glycyrrhizae Radix,Ephedra Herba,Amygdalus Communis Vas,Gypsum Fibrosum,Descurainiae Semen,Atractylodes Lancea,Scutellariae Radix,Amomum Tsao-Ko Crevostet,Forsythiae Fructus,Pogostemon cablin,Magnolia Officinalis.Compared with the LPS-induced lung injury model group,the medium dose of the new prescription group had significantly alleviated pathological changes in lung tissue,decreased lung coefficient,decreased contents of IL-6,TNF-αand IL-1β,and increased mRNA and protein expression of ACE2 and AXL(P<0.05).Conclusion:Based on data mining,network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,the new prescription for non-critical COVID-19 established by this method has an anti-inflammatory effect on rats with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide and can provide a reference for clinicians to alleviate the symptoms related to non-critical COVID-19.

Design of Traditional Chinese Medicine Extraction Workshop Process and Automation System

Objective: This paper takes the example of a Panax notoginseng extraction workshop and designs an automated production workshop with advanced domestic capabilities. Methods: 1) Based on the small-scale Panax notoginseng extraction process, the feasibility of the workshop production process is demonstrated. 2) The workshop process design for Panax Notoginseng saponin extraction is completed, including production organization plans and the selection of key equipment. 3) For the Panax notoginseng extraction workshop process, an automated production control system is designed. Conclusion: Through optimized design of the production process and automation system, continuous and automated production of traditional Chinese medicine extraction is achieved, leading to improvements in drug quality and production efficiency.

Application of Computer-Aided Drug Design to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Computer-aided drug design (CADD) is an interdisciplinary subject, playing a pivotal role during new drug research and development, especially the discovery and optimization of lead compounds. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modernization is the only way of TCM development and also an effective approach to the development of new drugs and the discovery of potential drug targets (PDTs). Discovery and validation of PTDs has become the “bottle-neck” restricted new drug research and development and is urgently solved. Innovative drug research is of great significance and bright prospects. This paper mainly discusses the “druggability” and specificity of PTDs, the “druglikeness” of drug candidates, the methods and technologies of the discovery and validation of PTDs and their application. It is very important to achieve the invention and innovation strategy “from gene to drug”. In virtue of modern high-new technology, especially CADD, combined with TCM theory, research and develop TCM and initiate an innovating way fitting our country progress. This paper mainly discusses CADD and their application to drug research, especially TCM modernization.

Network Curriculum Design of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacy Specialty Formed by Introducing Guangxi Minority Medicine

Starting from the background and significance of the development and design of the network course of traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy specialty formed by introducing Guangxi minority medicine,this paper discusses the teaching design scheme and module construction of the network course in the development process,and summarizes the design,production and construction experience of the network course.Through practice,the teaching effect and achievement of the network course of traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy specialty formed by introducing Guangxi minority medicine are obvious.

Traditional Chinese medicine Master XIONG Jibo’s medication experience in treating arthralgia syndrome through data mining

Objective This study aimed to examine and propagate the medication experience and group formula of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)Master XIONG Jibo in diagnosing and treat-ing arthralgia syndrome(AS)through data mining.Methods Data of outpatient cases of Professor XIONG Jibo were collected from January 1,2014 to December 31,2018,along with cases recorded in A Real Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor:XIONG Jibo's Clinical Medical Record 1,which was published in December 2019.The five variables collected from the patients’data were TCM diagnostic information,TCM and western medicine diagnoses,syndrome,treatment,and prescription.A database was established for the collected data with Excel.Using the Python environment,a custom-ized modified natural language processing(NLP)model for the diagnosis and treatment of AS by Professor XIONG Jibo was established to preprocess the data and to analyze the word cloud.Frequency analysis,association rule analysis,cluster analysis,and visual analysis of AS cases were performed based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Computing Platform(V3.0)and RStudio(V4.0.3).Results A total of 610 medical records of Professor XIONG Jibo were collected from the case database.A total of 103 medical records were included after data screening criteria,which comprised 187 times(45 kinds)of prescriptions and 1506 times(125 kinds)of Chinese herbs.The main related meridians were the liver,spleen,and kidney meridians.The properties of Chinese herbs used most were mainly warm,flat,and cold,while the flavors of herbs were mainly bitter,pungent,and sweet.The main patterns of AS included the damp heat,phlegm stasis,and neck arthralgia.The most commonly used herbs for AS were Chuanniuxi(Cyathu-lae Radix),Huangbo(Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex),Cangzhu(Atractylodis Rhizoma),Qinjiao(Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix),Gancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma),Huangqi(Astragali Radix),and Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma).The most common effect of the herbs was“promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis”,followed by“supple-menting deficiency(Qi supplementing,blood supplementing,and Yang supplementing)”,and“dispelling wind and dampness”.The data were analyzed with the support≥15%and con-fidence=100%,and after de-duplication,five second-order association rules,39 third-order association rules,39 fourth-order association rules,and two fifth-order association rules were identified.The top-ranking association rules of each were“Cangzhu(Atractylodis Rhizoma)→Huangbo(Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex)”“Cangzhu(Atractylodis Rhizoma)+Chuanniuxi(Cyathulae Radix)→Huangbo(Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex)”“Chuanniuxi(Cyathulae Radix)+Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix)+Gancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)→Qinjiao(Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix)”and“Chuanniuxi(Cyathulae Radix)+Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix)+Gancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)+Huangbo(Phello-dendri Chinensis Cortex)→Qinjiao(Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix)”,respectively.Five clusters were obtained using cluster analysis of the top 30 herbs.The herbs were mainly dry-ing dampness,supplementing Qi,and promoting blood circulation.The main prescriptions of AS were Ermiao San(二妙散),Gegen Jianghuang San(葛根姜黄散),and Huangqi Chongteng Yin(黄芪虫藤饮).The herbs of core prescription included Cangzhu(Atractylodis Rhizoma),Chuanniuxi(Cyathulae Radix),Gancao(Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma),Huangbo(Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex),Mugua(Chaenomelis Fructus),Qinjiao(Gentianae Macro-phyllae Radix),Danggui(Angelicae Sinensis Radix),and Yiyiren(Coicis Semen).Conclusion Clearing heat and dampness,relieving collaterals and pain,and invigorating Qi and blood are the most commonly used therapies for the treatment of AS by Professor XIONG Jibo.Additionally,customized NLP model could improve the efficiency of data mining in TCM.

East to west:research progress in traditional Chinese medicine for antiaging strategies

Delaying the onset of aging is considered an important tool for dealing with the global crisis of the aging population.Accordingly,several antiaging studies have been conducted using strategies of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).In this review,we summarize the current state of antiaging research related to both modern medicine and TCM and provide suggestions for further research.Various theories related to the aging process have been proposed,including the free radical theory,mitochondrial DNA damage theory,telomere theory,cross-linking theory,and intestinal flora theory,and a number of antiaging chemical treatments have been developed using modern medicine.These theories and achievements have resulted in major advancements in antiaging research.TCM is based on practical experience and has a long history with unique advantages in antiaging research.Some antiaging practices such as moderate diet consumption,acupuncture,Tai Chi(a traditional Chinese martial art that can relax the nerves to slow down the aging process),and Wuqin Xi(a traditional Chinese exercise to strengthen the body)have been adopted to maintain health.Several TCMs and prescriptions,particularly those related to medicine food homology,have been used in antiaging treatment,and their antiaging properties have been demonstrated to be effective based on pharmacological experiments and clinical applications.

Research progress in the treatment of diabetic foot with traditional Chinese medicine

Diabetic foot is one of the chronic complications of diabetes,which is serious and expensive to treat.As an effective method for treating diabetic foot,Chinese medicine plays an important role in improving the clinical symptoms and reducing the suffering of diabetic foot patients.The methods of traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetic foot include internal treatment method,external treatment method and comprehensive therapy.This article reviews the research results of traditional Chinese medicine treatment of diabetic foot in order to provide reference for the treatment of diabetic foot.

Professor Liu Guobin used traditional Chinese medicine to cure a case of primary erythema limb pain

Primary erythema limb pain is a very rare disease,and its pathogenesis is not clear.Usually,the pain symptoms of patients exist for a long time,which seriously affect the daily life of patients and increase the economic burden of patients.Professor Liu Guobin,who has been engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular diseases for nearly 30 years,believes that heat-toxin and blood stasis collaterals are closely related to the disease,and emphasizes the principle of heat-toxin and evil qi causing the disease.It is emphasized that clearing heat and detoxification,promoting blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis are the main treatment principles.This paper selects a typical case to describe Professor Liu's clinical experience in the treatment of primary erythema limb pain by oral and external use of traditional Chinese medicine,so as to provide an effective method of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of primary erythema limb pain.

Summary of Zhang Hongxing's Experience in Treating Refractory Angina Pectoris with Traditional Chinese Medicine

As a famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)expert in Shandong province and a famous veteran TCM expert in Dezhou city,Zhang Hongxing has been engaged in cardiovascular clinical work for more than 30 years.He has unique experience in the treatment of refractory angina pectoris.This paper comprehensively explains from the aspects of etiology and pathogenesis.His treatment is mostly based on syndrome differentiation,combined with the basic pharmacology of modem Chinese medicine to formulate prescriptions and drugs,and at the same time values the use of insect drugs.We hereby attach the clinical records,hoping to provide reference for clinical workers,which is conducive to the inheritance and development of famous Chinese medical academic experience.

An Empirical Case of Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Idiopathic Edema

Idiopathic edema is a common,challenging,and complicated clinical condition with no recognized cause that is easy to prolong and repeat.Professor Li has a lot of expertise treating this condition.This condition is associated with a yang shortage in the spleen and kidneys,as well as a mutual accumulation of water and blood stasis.Zhenwu Decoction and Guizhi Fuling tablet are added to the prescription.Ms.Li’s clinical experience in the treatment of idiopathic edema is being shared with the fellow.

名中医许昕辨治绝经综合征经验

绝经综合征是妇科常见病、多发病,又称围绝经期综合征、更年期综合征,中医称绝经前后诸证,西医常激素治疗。许昕教授认为肾气衰,天癸竭为初始病因,主要病机是肾阴不足,精血亏少,阴阳失调,天癸衰竭而月经闭止,涉及心肝脾胃肺多脏腑,可兼郁夹瘀,变化多端;治疗要标本兼顾,调整阴阳平衡,调和脏腑,调畅气机,帮助患者解除病痛,平稳度过绝经期阶段。

恒温雷火灸联合腹针治疗气血亏虚型颈性眩晕临床观察

目的研究恒温雷火灸联合腹针治疗气血亏虚型颈性眩晕的临床效果。方法选取2022年1月—2022年12月广西中医药大学第一附属医院脑病科一区及东葛门诊部、仁爱门诊收治的气血亏虚型颈性眩晕患者64例,随机分为治疗组与对照组,各32例,两组均脱落2例。治疗组应用恒温雷火灸联合腹针治疗,对照组采用口服盐酸倍他司汀片治疗,对比两组患者临床效果及眩晕障碍程度改善情况。结果治疗组总有效率93.33%(28/30)高于对照组的80.00%(24/30)(P<0.05)。治疗组眩晕障碍程度评分下降情况明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论恒温雷火灸联合腹针治疗气血亏虚型颈性眩晕,能够有效缓解患者的眩晕症状,其临床综合效果优于盐酸倍他司汀,并且具有无不良作用的优点,是治疗颈性眩晕的有效方法,值得临床推广应用。

桃红四物汤联合热奄包治疗骨折术后诸症临床观察

目的探讨桃红四物汤加减联合热奄包对骨折术后患者的临床疗效。方法纳入骨折术后患者90例,随机分作两组,各45例。对照组予西医常规治疗,观察组在此基础上加桃红四物汤加减联合热奄包治疗,比较两组中医证候积分、康复效果、骨代谢水平及并发症发生率。结果治疗后,两组疼痛、肿胀、瘀血及舌脉的中医证候积分均下降,且观察组各项低于对照组;两组美国特种外科医院膝关节评分(HSS评分)、关节活动度(ROM)均提高,且观察组高于对照组;两组碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、骨钙素(BGP)水平均升高,且观察组高于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组骨折愈合时间短于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组并发症发生率为2.22%(1/45),低于对照组的17.78%(8/45)(P<0.05)。结论桃红四物汤加减联合热奄包治疗骨折术后诸症效果确切,可加快患者康复,改善其骨代谢水平,且并发症发生率较低。

张立平从脾胃论治难治性痤疮的经验

介绍张立平教授从脾胃论治难治性痤疮的经验。张教授临证中发现难治性痤疮患者的病因多见脾胃虚弱,脾胃运化失司,升清降浊不足,在外则肌肤失养,腠理闭阻,在内则阴火内生,上炎于表,而生痤疮,为里虚表实之证;治疗当补脾气虚之不足,清在表之伏阳;在补脾调气的基础上清泻在表之实邪,中病即止,后继以顾护脾胃收功,防止病情反复发作,临床取得良好疗效。并附验案1则。

曹建雄教授治疗肿瘤相关焦虑抑郁临证经验

肿瘤相关焦虑抑郁是以肿瘤为基础疾病继发的病理性情绪变化,具有高发病率、低诊断率和治疗率的特点。曹建雄教授尤其关注患者的情绪状态,通过长期临床实践,总结发现本病以气郁质体质最为常见,病位多在肝脾,主要病机为木郁土虚,辨证以属肝郁脾虚证者居多。因此,在治疗上注重从肝脾入手,采用疏肝健脾理气之法,常以小柴胡汤加减调和肝脾、疏畅气机,配伍玫瑰花、磁石、石菖蒲、麦芽、合欢皮、薄荷、郁金等药以增强调畅气机之功,每获良效。

安冲汤联合艾灸隐白穴治疗功能性子宫出血临床观察

目的探究安冲汤联合艾灸隐白穴治疗功能性子宫出血的效果。方法从南昌市洪都中医院2020年8月—2022年8月收治的功能性子宫出血患者中选取68例为研究对象,采用随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组,每组34例。对照组予常规西医治疗,观察组在此基础上予安冲汤联合艾灸隐白穴治疗,比较两组临床疗效、血红蛋白水平、子宫内膜厚度及不良反应发生率。结果观察组临床总有效率为97.06%(33/34),高于对照组的82.35%(28/34)(P<0.05)。治疗前,两组血红蛋白水平、子宫内膜厚度比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后,观察组血红蛋白水平高于对照组,子宫内膜厚度小于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组不良反应总发生率为5.88%(2/34),低于对照组的11.76%(4/34),但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论采用安冲汤联合艾灸隐白穴治疗功能性子宫出血,可以改善患者血红蛋白水平,降低子宫内膜厚度,提高临床效果,且可以保障治疗安全性。