Discussion on the mechanism of Xiaoyao Powder in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome based on network pharmacology

Objective:To predict the key components and potential targets of Xiaoyao Powder in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)and explore its mechanism of action in the treatment of IBS.Methods:The active components and related targets of all compounds of Xiaoyao Powder were obtained by systematic Pharmacological Analysis platform of traditional Chinese Medicine(TCMSP).The related genes of IBS were collected by Genecards and TTD.The network model of"Xiaoyao powder-compound-target-IBS"was established by Cytoscape software.STRING and Metascape platforms were used to analyze drug-disease target protein interactions and conduct network construction and module analysis.Gene Ontology(GO)function enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the targets.Results:In the end,149 active ingredients,267 potential targets were obtained in Xiaoyao Powder and 1751 IBS-related targets were obtained from the platforms.One hundred and sixty-five related targets were involved in the treatment of IBS by Xiaoyao Powder,among which the key targets were MMP9,VEGFA,EGF,and IL-1B,TNF,IL-6.In the GO function enrichment analysis,1976 entries were obtained for biological processes,210 entries for molecular functions,and 122 entries for cellular components;KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed to obtain PI3K-Akt pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway,Calcium signaling pathway.Conclusion:Xiaoyao Powder may treat IBS by strengthening intestinal barrier function,reducing visceral sensitivity,inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.

Use of Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder in the Treatment of Diseases by Chief Physician Wang Defen: Case Examples

Danzhi Xiaoyao powder was first introduced by Xue Ji,a Ming Dynasty physician,in the“Summary of Internal Medicine.”It is primarily used for treating the syndrome of liver depression transforming into heat and is widely used in the treatment of dermatology,internal medicine,gynecology,and other multi-system diseases.This medical prescription is aptly dispensed,its detoxification effect is strong,and it is a representative medical prescription for soothing the liver,strengthening the spleen and stomach,as well as eliminating heat stagnation.Chief Physician Wang Defen inherited the academic experience of the fifth batch of nationally known Chinese medicine experts,under the guidance of Professor Ji Haiwang,a notable Chinese medicine practitioner in Shaanxi Province and Professor Shi Bingyin,a renowned endocrinologist.Through follow-up studies,the various methods and empirical prescriptions of Danzhi Xiaoyao powder applied by Chief Physician Wang Defen in the treatment of common clinical diseases are summarized.They have been proven to have conclusive efficacy,thus providing guidance and reference for the dialectical treatment using traditional Chinese medicine.

Chief Physician Wang Defen’s Experience in Treating Thyroid Nodules based on Syndrome Differentiation

To summarize the experience of Chief Physician Wang Defen in the treatment of thyroid nodules.According to many years of clinical experience,Chief Physician Wang Defen believes that the occurrence of thyroid nodules is mostly affected by emotional factors.Qi stagnation,liver depression and fire,phlegm and Qi are the pathogenesis of the disease,which is closely related to liver Qi stagnation.Based on the basic treatment principle of Nourishing Yin,clearing heat,soothing liver and strengthening spleen,the prescription chose Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder plus or minus can often achieve good clinical efficacy.

Comparative Study on Effects of Xiaoyao Powder and Its Modified Prescription on Plasma Metabolomics of Rats with Chronic Immobilization Stress＊

Objective： To determine the changes in the levels of endogenous metabolites in rats with chronic immobilization stress （CIS） taking Xiaoyao Powder （ XYP） and its modified prescription version, which lacks the volatile oils extracted from Herba Menthae. Methods： Twenty-four experimental male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each： control, model, XYP-1 （containing volatile oils from Herba Menthae）, and XYP-2 （lacking volatile oils）. All rats except control group rats were subjected to CIS 3 h per day for 21 consecutive days. Groups XYP-1 and XYP-2 were given the extracted XYS with or without volatile oils （3.854 g/kg; suspended in distilled water） via gavage 1 h before CIS each day for 21 days. Rats were anesthetized using intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium （40 mg/kg） on the 22nd day. Observations were made using a Varian INOVA 600 MHz NMR spectrometer at 27 ~. Carr-PurcelI-Meiboom-Gill （CPMG） and longitudinal eddy-delay （LED） were applied, resulting in spectra showing only the signals from micro- and macro-metabolites. Results： Compared to controls, rats subjected to CIS showed increased levels of plasma metabolites, such as acetic acid, choline, N-glycoprotein （NAC）, saturated fatty acid, and blood sugars. Levels of low-density lipoprotein （LDL）, very low-density lipoprotein （VLDL）, and unsaturated fatty acids were decreased. The biochemical effects of XYS were characterized by elevated levels of VLDL, LDL, threonine, methionine, and glutamic acid in plasma. Conclusion： Some common and characteristic metabolites on the anti-CIS of XYP and its modified prescription were obtained. The metabolomics technology is a valuable tool and may be used to identify the specific metabolites and potential biomarkers of therapeutic effect of Chinese medicinal prescriptions.

Metabolomic characteristics of spontaneously hypertensive rats under chronic stress and the treatment effect of Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder, a traditional Chinese medicine formula

Objective: Numerous studies have demonstrated the close relationship between chronic stress and blood pressure(BP). Hypertensive subjects exhibit exaggerated reactions to stress, especially higher BP. The mechanisms by which stress affects pre-existing hypertension still need to be explored. Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder(DP), a historical traditional Chinese medicine formula, is a promising treatment for BP control in hypertensive patients under stress. The present study investigated the metabolomic disruption caused by chronic stress and the treatment effect and mechanism of DP.Methods: Spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs) were subjected to chronic restraint stress(CRS) for 4 weeks. BP was measured via the tail-cuff method, and anxiety-like behavior was quantified using the elevated-plus-maze test. Meanwhile, DP was administered intragastrically, and its effects were observed. Global metabolomic analysis was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, followed by multivariate statistical analysis to detect differential metabolites and pathways.Results: DP alleviated the CRS-induced increase in BP and anxiety-like behavior. Systematic metabolic differences were found among the three study groups. A total of 29 differential plasma metabolites were identified in both positive-and negative-ion modes. These metabolites were involved in triglyceride metabolism, amino acid(phenylalanine, tryptophan, and glycine) metabolism, and steroid hormone pathways.Conclusion: These findings expose the metabolomic disturbances induced by chronic stress in SHRs and suggest an innovative treatment for this disorder.