Research on the development methodology for clinical practice guidelines for organic integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine

Integrated traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and Western medicine(WM)is a new medical science grounded in the knowledge bases of both TCM and WM,which then forms a unique modern medical system in China.Integrated TCM and WM has a long history in China,and has made important achievements in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment.However,the methodological defects in currently published clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)limit its development.The organic integration of TCM and WM is a deeper integration of TCM and WM.To realize the progression of"integration"to"organic integration",a targeted and standardized guideline development methodology is needed.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to establish a standardized development procedure for clinical practice guidelines for the organic integration of TCM and WM to promote the systematic integration of TCM and WM research results into clinical practice guidelines in order to achieve optimal results as the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

Bio-soft matter derived from traditional Chinese medicine:Characterizations of hierarchical structure,assembly mechanism,and beyond

Structural and functional explorations on bio-soft matter such as micelles,vesicles,nanoparticles,aggregates or polymers derived from traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has emerged as a new topic in the field of TCM.The discovery of such cross-scaled bio-soft matter may provide a unique perspective for unraveling the new effective material basis of TCM as well as developing innovative medicine and biomaterials.Despite the rapid rise of TCM-derived bio-soft matter,their hierarchical structure and assembly mechanism must be unambiguously probed for a further in-depth understanding of their pharmacological activity.In this review,the current emerged TCM-derived bio-soft matter assembled from either small molecules or macromolecules is introduced,and particularly the unambiguous elucidation of their hierarchical structure and assembly mechanism with combined electron microscopic and spectroscopic techniques is depicted.The pros and cons of each technique are also discussed.The future challenges and perspective of TCM-derived bio-soft matter are outlined,particularly the requirement for their precise in situ structural determination is highlighted.

Knee osteoarthritis:A review of animal models and intervention of traditional Chinese medicine

Background:Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)characterized by degeneration of knee cartilage and subsequent bone hyperplasia is a prevalent joint condition primarily affecting aging adults.The pathophysiology of KOA remains poorly understood,as it involves complex mechanisms that result in the same outcome.Consequently,researchers are interested in studying KOA and require appropriate animal models for basic research.Chinese herbal compounds,which consist of multiple herbs with diverse pharmacological properties,possess characteristics such as multicomponent,multipathway,and multitarget effects.The potential benefits in the treatment of KOA continue to attract attention.Purpose:This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages,limitations,and specific considerations in selecting different species and methods for KOA animal models.This will help researchers make informed decisions when choosing an animal model.Methods:Online academic databases(e.g.,PubMed,Google Scholar,Web of Science,and CNKI)were searched using the search terms“knee osteoarthritis,”“animal models,”“traditional Chinese medicine,”and their combinations,primarily including KOA studies published from 2010 to 2023.Results:Based on literature retrieval,this review provides a comprehensive overview of the methods of establishing KOA animal models;introduces the current status of advantages and disadvantages of various animal models,including mice,rats,rabbits,dogs,and sheep/goats;and presents the current status of methods used to establish KOA animal models.Conclusion:This study provides a review of the animal models used in recent KOA research,discusses the common modeling methods,and emphasizes the role of traditional Chinese medicine compounds in the treatment of KOA.

Matching traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine-based research:Advanced nutraceutical development for proactive gastric cancer prevention

Gastric cancer(GC),the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally,is complex and heterogeneous.This review explores multidisciplinary investigations of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)combined with Western medical practices,emphasizing the development of nutraceuticals for cancer prevention.Using advanced analytical chemistry and food chemistry techniques,this study investigated how TCM components may be optimized for nutraceutical development.Focusing on molecular interactions with GC pathways,particularly the NF-κB,PI3K/Akt,and Wnt/β-catenin pathways,we examined the effects of TCM polyherbal formulas,extracts,and isolated compounds.These agents modulate apoptosis and cellular proliferation,underscoring their potential in preventive strategies.The convergence of nutraceutical and medicine food homology studies highlights a significant shift towards integrating TCM-derived compounds in a preventive health framework.This approach aims not only to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects but also to champion a preventive paradigm using personalized medicine to advance proactive health maintenance and disease prevention.The combination of TCM and western medical practices offers promising avenues for future research and practical applications in GC prevention.

Integration of traditional,complementary,and alternative medicine with modern biomedicine:the scientization,evidence,and challenges for integration of traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional medicine has garnered significant global recognition,with an estimated 80%of the global population using it.Therefore,it is essential to fully understand the integration of traditional medicines into current healthcare systems.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the standard process to modernize traditional medicine scientifically in the context of modern biomedicine,further termed here as“scientization”.Specifically,we aim to summarize the advancements made in understanding the efficacy,effectiveness,and underlying mechanisms of herbal medicine.We also examined the transition from experience-to evidence-based medicine during acupuncture.Furthermore,we explore the development of universal safety and quality control standards.Finally,we discuss international trade and export markets for Chinese medical products.The development and integration of traditional medicine have allowed it to further improve human health,resulting in a more comprehensive health solution for the global population.

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases in 2023

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the research progress in Chinese medicine in the treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases in 2023,covering traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)monomers,TCM extracts,and TCM combinations,including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications,obesity,hyperuricaemia,and thyroid disorders.After systematic sorting and summary,we found that in 2023,the research focusing on the application of TCM for endocrine metabolic diseases was still on the mechanism of action at the cellular and molecular levels,which not only influenced the classical pathways of lipid metabolism,but also delved into the key mechanisms of anti-inflammation,anti-oxidation,anti-insulin resistance,and so on.Additionally,TCM has shown remarkable results in the treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases by improving intestinal flora disorders and abnormal cellular iron death.These research results provide valuable ideas,methods,and tools for TCM in the prevention and treatment of endocrine metabolic diseases,and provide important references and guidance for future research and practice.

HHO optimized support vector machine classifier for traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation of diabetic retinopathy

AIM:To develop a classifier for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome differentiation of diabetic retinopathy(DR),using optimized machine learning algorithms,which can provide the basis for TCM objective and intelligent syndrome differentiation.METHODS:Collated data on real-world DR cases were collected.A variety of machine learning methods were used to construct TCM syndrome classification model,and the best performance was selected as the basic model.Genetic Algorithm(GA)was used for feature selection to obtain the optimal feature combination.Harris Hawk Optimization(HHO)was used for parameter optimization,and a classification model based on feature selection and parameter optimization was constructed.The performance of the model was compared with other optimization algorithms.The models were evaluated with accuracy,precision,recall,and F1 score as indicators.RESULTS:Data on 970 cases that met screening requirements were collected.Support Vector Machine(SVM)was the best basic classification model.The accuracy rate of the model was 82.05%,the precision rate was 82.34%,the recall rate was 81.81%,and the F1 value was 81.76%.After GA screening,the optimal feature combination contained 37 feature values,which was consistent with TCM clinical practice.The model based on optimal combination and SVM(GA_SVM)had an accuracy improvement of 1.92%compared to the basic classifier.SVM model based on HHO and GA optimization(HHO_GA_SVM)had the best performance and convergence speed compared with other optimization algorithms.Compared with the basic classification model,the accuracy was improved by 3.51%.CONCLUSION:HHO and GA optimization can improve the model performance of SVM in TCM syndrome differentiation of DR.It provides a new method and research idea for TCM intelligent assisted syndrome differentiation.

A harmonisation approach to traditional Chinese medicine registration in Asian countries

The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)industry is critical to not only for public health but also for economic growth.According to the European Union(EU)directives,under the EU framework for(traditional)herbal medicinal products,herbal medicines with long history of use can be registered in EU.However,there is a condition in this directive in which only those that have at least 10e15 years in the EU market are accepted for registration and/or marketing authorization.In author opinion,the condition of 10-15 years of use in EU countries set within the EU regulatory framework is with consideration of the genetic differences which can result in variation in adverse drug responses among different world populations.With this concept in mind,it is reasonable to project the principal of the EU directive to the Asian countries where TCM is originated.Countries like China,Singapore,Japan and South Korea that have well established drug registration framework are in best position in executing the best practice and facilitate harmonization of registration for TCM within the region.Furthermore,the registration process itself allows more safety and efficacy data to be collected systemically before and after product registration/marketing authorization.These are valuable information for future drug development.The therapeutic value of TCM is limitless,it has been left out in the EU regulatory framework,and the opportunity for it to be expanded and carried forward in modern medicines is shadowed by the limited number of TCM that are qualified to be registered under the EU regulatory framework.An early establishment of a harmonized risk-based registration process for TCM in Asian countries is important.This will strengthen the database to substantiate the history of safe use and further preserving and expanding the therapeutic values of TCM within and beyond the Asian region.

Modern technology-based exploration of mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in prevention and treatment of gastric cancer

This review comments on the article“To explore the mechanism of Yigong San anti-gastric cancer and immune regulation”.We are interested that the article applied network pharmacology and bioinformatics techniques to elucidate the mechanism of action of Yigong Sang,a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),in the treatment of gastric cancer(GC).The mechanism of action of Yigong Sang in the treatment of GC has not yet been elucidated because it is composed of multiple Chinese medicines with multiple components and multiple targets.The emergence of network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis helps explain the mechanism of action of TCM in preventing and treating GC,and provides a possibility for TCM to transform from empirical to evidence-based medicine.This is of great significance for the application of TCM in oncology,new drug development,formula optimization,and the improvement of clinical efficacy.

Five commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formulas in the treatment of ulcerative colitis:A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Currently,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulas are commonly being used as adjunctive therapy for ulcerative colitis in China.Network meta-analysis,a quantitative and comprehensive analytical method,can systematically compare the effects of different adjunctive treatment options for ulcerative colitis,providing scientific evidence for clinical decision-making.AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of commonly used TCM for the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC)in clinical practice through a network metaanalysis.METHODS Clinical randomized controlled trials of these TCM formulas used for the adjuvant treatment of UC were searched from the establishment of the databases to July 1,2022.Studies that met the inclusion criteria were screened and evaluated for literature quality and risk of bias according to the Cochrane 5.1 standard.The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using ReviewManager(RevMan)5.4,and a funnel plot was constructed to test for publication bias.ADDIS 1.16 statistical software was used to perform statistical analysis of the treatment measures and derive the network relationship and ranking diagrams of the various intervention measures.RESULTS A total of 64 randomized controlled trials involving 5456 patients with UC were included in this study.The adjuvant treatment of UC using five TCM formulations was able to improve the clinical outcome of the patients.Adjuvant treatment with Baitouweng decoction(BTWT)showed a significant effect[mean difference=36.22,95%confidence interval(CI):7.63 to 65.76].For the reduction of tumor necrosis factor in patients with UC,adjunctive therapy with BTWT(mean difference=−9.55,95%CI:−17.89 to−1.41),Shenlingbaizhu powder[SLBZS;odds ratio(OR)=0.19,95%CI:0.08 to 0.39],and Shaoyao decoction(OR=−23.02,95%CI:−33.64 to−13.14)was effective.Shaoyao decoction was more effective than BTWT(OR=0.12,95%CI:0.03 to 0.39),SLBZS(OR=0.19,95%CI:0.08 to 0.39),and Xi Lei powder(OR=0.34,95%CI:0.13 to 0.81)in reducing tumor necrosis factor and the recurrence rate of UC.CONCLUSION TCM combined with mesalazine is more effective than mesalazine alone in the treatment of UC.

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.

Mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of psoriasis with depression:A review

Psoriasis is a kind of immune-mediated, chronic, inflammatory skin disease, which is often associated with different degrees of psychological disorders. Specifically, there is a significant correlation between psoriasis and depression, and they show the relationships of reciprocal causation and mutual promotion. Psoriasis with depression is more harmful than simple psoriasis, and its prognosis is worse, which brings a huge burden to the family and society and is worthy of clinical attention. Based on the pathogenic factors of western medicine and pathogenesis of traditional Chinese medicine in psoriasis with depression, the paper summarized and elaborated the research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of psoriasis with depression, in order to provide new ideas for clinical treatment.

Research progress on insomnia treated by traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture based on microbial-gut-brain axis theory

Insomnia,as one of the emotional diseases,has been increasing in recent years,which has a great impact on people's life and work.Therefore,researchers are eager to find a more perfect treatment.The microbiome-gut-brain axis is a new theory that has gradually become popular abroad in recent years and has a profound impact in the field of insomnia.In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has played an increasingly important role in the treatment of insomnia,especially acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.It is the main method of TCM in the treatment of insomnia.This paper mainly reviews the combination degree of"microorganism-gut-brain axis"theory with TCM and acupuncture under the system of TCM.To explore the mechanism of TCM and acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia under the guidance of"microorganismgut-brain axis"theory,in order to provide a new idea for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia.

From traditional Chinese medicine formulations to effective anticancer agents:Insights from Calculus bovis

This editorial examines the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for aggressive cancers,particularly liver cancer.It highlights the study by Huang et al,which shows how Calculus bovis,a component of the TCM Pien Tze Huang,suppresses liver cancer by inhibiting M2 macrophage polarization via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.This research emphasizes the importance of transitioning from effective TCM formulations to isolating active components and understanding their mechanisms.While the study provides valuable insights,it primarily focuses on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and does not delve deeply into the mechanisms of individual components.Future research should aim to comprehensively study these components,explore their interactions,and validate findings through clinical trials.This approach will integrate traditional wisdom with modern scientific validation,advancing the development of innovative cancer treatments based on TCM formulations.

Advances in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy by modulating gut microbiota with traditional Chinese medicine

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN)is one of the strongest risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers(neuropathic ulcerations)and the existing ulcers may further deteriorate due to the damage to sensory neurons.Moreover,the resulting numbness in the limbs causes difficulty in discovering these ulcerations in a short time.DPN is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)compounds such as Shenqi Dihuang Decoction,Huangkui Capsules and Qidi Tangshen Granules can reduce the clinical symptoms of diabetic nephropathy by modulating gut microbiota.The current review discusses whether TCM compounds can reduce the risk of DPN by improving gut microbiota.

Application of multidisciplinary team-based integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in rotator cuff injury patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery

BACKGROUND Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a common surgical treatment for rotator cuff injuries(RCIs).Although this procedure has certain clinical advantages,it requires rehabilitation management interventions to ensure therapeutic efficacy.AIM To investigate the effect of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine(TCM-WM)under the multidisciplinary team(MDT)model on the postoperative recovery of patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for RCIs.METHODS This study enrolled 100 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for RCIs at the Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2021 and May 2024.They were divided into a control group(n=48)that received routine rehabilitation treatment and an experimental group(n=52)that received TCM-WM under the MDT model(e.g.,acupuncture,TCM traumatology and orthopedics,and rehabilitation).The results of the Constant–Murley Shoulder Score(CMS),Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI),muscular strength evaluation,and shoulder range of motion(ROM)assessments were analyzed.RESULTS After treatment,the experimental group showed significantly higher CMS scores in terms of pain,functional activity,shoulder joint mobility,and muscular strength than the baseline and those of the control group.The experimental group also exhibited significantly lower VAS and SPADI scores than the baseline and those of the control group.In addition,the experimental group showed significantly enhanced muscular strength(forward flexor and external and internal rotator muscles)and shoulder ROM(forward flexion,abduction,and lateral abduction)after treatment compared with the control group.CONCLUSION TCM-WM under the MDT model improved shoulder joint function,relieved postoperative pain,promoted postoperative functional recovery,and facilitated the recovery of muscular strength and shoulder ROM in patients with RCIs who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Feasibility and Challenges of Interactive AI for Traditional Chinese Medicine: An Example of ChatGPT

As a complementary and alternative medicine(CAM),traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)represents an established medical system with a rich history and abundant clinical experience.TCM is an empirical medicine,the process of which is analogous to ChatGPT’s learning and development model.In TCM,inquiry is a relatively objective way of traditional syndrome differentiation.Although various artificial intelligence systems related to TCM consultation exist,their interactive abilities remain limited.The study standardized the primary complaint and instructed ChatGPT to simulate a TCM practitioner,conducting three comprehensive inquiry tests.The results yielded unexpected conclusions,revealing that ChatGPT could simulate a TCM practitioner’s inquiry with patients,confirming its potential in the field of TCM inquiry.However,current applications still pose certain limitations and risks.Hence,to integrate ChatGPT-like language models with traditional TCM AI to establish an associative mode that can facilitate TCM diagnosis and treatment with more convenience and standardization is crucial,yet at the same time,it should be treated very carefully.

Exploring the transformative impact of traditional Chinese medicine on depression:Insights from animal models

Depression,a prevalent and complex mental health condition,presents a significant global health burden.Depression is one of the most frequent mental disorders;deaths from it account for 14.3%of people worldwide.In recent years,the integration of complementary and alternative medicine,including traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),has gained attention as a potential avenue for addressing depression.This comprehensive review critically assesses the efficacy of TCM interventions in alleviating depressive symptoms.An in-depth look at different research studies,clinical trials,and meta-analyses is used in this review to look into how TCM practices like herbal formulations,acupuncture,and mindbody practices work.The review looks at the quality of the evidence,the rigor of the methods,and any possible flaws in the current studies.This gives us an idea of where TCM stands right now in terms of treating depression.This comprehensive review aims to assess the efficacy of TCM interventions in alleviating depressive symptoms.In order to learn more about their possible healing effects,the study also looks into how different types of TCM work,such as herbal formulas,acupuncture,and mind-body practices.

Integrative analysis of bone-formation associated genes and immune cell infiltration in osteoporosis, and the prediction of active ingredients in targeted traditional Chinese medicine

Objective To explore the differential expression and mechanisms of bone formation-related genes in osteoporosis(OP)leveraging bioinformatics and machine learning methodologies;and to predict the active ingredients of targeted traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)herbs.Methods The Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)and GeneCards databases were employed to conduct a comprehensive screening of genes and disease-associated loci pertinent to the pathogenesis of OP.The R package was utilized as the analytical tool for the identification of differentially expressed genes.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)logis-tic regression analysis and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination(SVM-RFE)algorithm were employed in defining the genetic signature specific to OP.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses for the selected pivotal genes were conducted.The cell-type identification by estimating rela-tive subsets of RNA transcripts(CIBERSORT)algorithm was leveraged to examine the infiltra-tion patterns of immune cells;with Spearman’s rank correlation analysis utilized to assess the relationship between the expression levels of the genes and the presence of immune cells.Coremine Medical Database was used to screen out potential TCM herbs for the treatment of OP.Comparative Toxicogenomics Database(CTD)was employed for forecasting the TCM ac-tive ingredients targeting the key genes.AutoDock Vina 1.2.2 and GROMACS 2020 softwares were employed to conclude analysis results;facilitating the exploration of binding affinity and conformational dynamics between the TCM active ingredients and their biological targets.Results Ten genes were identified by intersecting the results from the GEO and GeneCards databases.Through the application of LASSO regression and SVM-RFE algorithm;four piv-otal genes were selected:coat protein(CP);kallikrein 3(KLK3);polymeraseγ(POLG);and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4(TRPV4).GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analy-ses revealed that these trait genes were predominantly engaged in the regulation of defense response activation;maintenance of cellular metal ion balance;and the production of chemokine ligand 5.These genes were notably associated with signaling pathways such as ferroptosis;porphyrin metabolism;and base excision repair.Immune infiltration analysis showed that key genes were highly correlated with immune cells.Macrophage M0;M1;M2;and resting dendritic cell were significantly different between groups;and there were signifi-cant differences between different groups(P<0.05).The interaction counts of resveratrol;curcumin;and quercetin with KLK3 were 7;3;and 2;respectively.It shows that the interac-tions of resveratrol;curcumin;and quercetin with KLK3 were substantial.Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the robust binding affinity of these bioactive compounds to the target genes.Conclusion Pivotal genes including CP;KLK3;POLG;and TRPV4;exhibited commendable significant prognostic value;and played a crucial role in the diagnostic assessment of OP.Resveratrol;curcumin;and quercetin;natural compounds found in TCM;showed promise in their potential to effectively modulate the bone-forming gene KLK3.This study provides a sci-entific basis for the interpretation of the pathogenesis of OP and the development of clinical drugs.

Challenges in integrating traditional Chinese medicine and gut microbiota research for insomnia treatment

The gut microbiome is an extensive variety of bacteria with a range of metabolic capabilities that can be pathogenic,beneficial,or opportunistic.Changes in the gut microbiota's composition can affect the link between gut integrity and host health as well as cause disruptions to numerous neurological systems.The second most prevalent mental health problem,insomnia has a negative social and economic impact.Currently,it is becoming increasingly obvious how crucial it is to preserve the delicate balance of gut microbiota to treat illness-related symptoms like insomnia.Although traditional Chinese medicine has proposed an effective strategy against insomnia through gut microbiota alteration in animal models,studies in human models are limited.This decreases the predictive value of the studies in terms of human outcomes.This editorial places an emphasis on cultural sensitivity rather than scientific reasoning that promotes the use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).We aim to emphasize the concern that promoting TCM could divert resources from conventional medical research,leading to suboptimal care.