Model informed precision medicine of Chinese herbal medicines formulas-A multi-scale mechanistic intelligent model

Recent trends suggest that Chinese herbal medicine formulas(CHM formulas)are promising treatments for complex diseases.To characterize the precise syndromes,precise diseases and precise targets of the precise targets between complex diseases and CHM formulas,we developed an artificial intelligence-based quantitative predictive algorithm(DeepTCM).DeepTCM has gone through multilevel model calibration and validation against a comprehensive set of herb and disease data so that it accurately captures the complex cellular signaling,molecular and theoretical levels of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).As an example,our model simulated the optimal CHM formulas for the treatment of coronary heart disease(CHD)with depression,and through model sensitivity analysis,we calculated the balanced scoring of the formulas.Furthermore,we constructed a biological knowledge graph representing interactions by associating herb-target and gene-disease interactions.Finally,we experimentally confirmed the therapeutic effect and pharmacological mechanism of a novel model-predicted intervention in humans and mice.This novel multiscale model opened up a new avenue to combine“disease syndrome”and“macro micro”system modeling to facilitate translational research in CHM formulas.

Developments in the study of Chinese herbal medicine's assessment index and action mechanism for diabetes mellitus

In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),based on various pathogenic symptoms and the‘golden chamber’medical text,Huangdi Neijing,diabetes mellitus falls under the category‘collateral disease’.TCM,with its wealth of experience,has been treating diabetes for over two millennia.Different antidiabetic Chinese herbal medicines re-duce blood sugar,with their effective ingredients exerting unique advantages.As well as a glucose lowering effect,TCM also regulates bodily functions to prevent diabetes associated complications,with reduced side effects compared to western synthetic drugs.Chinese herbal medicine is usually composed of polysaccharides,saponins,al-kaloids,flavonoids,and terpenoids.These active ingredients reduce blood sugar via various mechanism of actions that include boosting endogenous insulin secretion,enhancing insulin sensitivity and adjusting key enzyme activity and scavenging free radicals.These actions regulate glycolipid metabolism in the body,eventually achiev-ing the goal of normalizing blood glucose.Using different animal models,a number of molecular markers are available for the detection of diabetes induction and the molecular pathology of the disease is becoming clearer.Nonetheless,there is a dearth of scientific data about the pharmacology,dose-effect relationship,and structure-activity relationship of TCM and its constituents.Further research into the efficacy,toxicity and mode of action of TCM,using different metabolic and molecular markers,is key to developing novel TCM antidiabetic formulations.

Unveiling the anticancer effect of traditional Chinese herbal medicine

In this issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology,Huang et al reported that Calculus bovis(CB),a traditional Chinese herbal medicine,impedes the growth of liver cancers in vivo.Through further in vitro studies,they showed that CB suppressed the M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages by suppressing the Wnt signaling pathway,which consequently inhibited the growth of liver cancer.Although the effects of traditional Chinese herbal medicine are often not scientifically proven,Huang et al successfully identified the molecular mechanism involved in the anticancer effect of CB,and it is anticipated that the molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of other traditional Chinese herbal medicines will be scientifically elucidated,as demonstrated in this article.

Chinese herbal medicine combined with Western medicine for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children:An overview of systematic reviews

Objective:To summarize the characteristics and evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence within systematic reviews(SRs)of Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)inchildren.Methods:SRs of randomized controlled trials were searched using PubMed,the Cochrane Library,Embase,the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases(CNKI),the Chinese Scientific Journals Database(VIP),Wanfang,and the SinoMed Database.SRs on the use of CHM alone or in combination with Western medications for MPP in children were included.The study compared the effects of Western medicine alone with those of CHM.The evidence quality using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews(AMSTAR)2,the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)2020,and the Grading of Recommendations,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation(GRADE)criteria.The primary indicators were the total effective rate,fever subsidence time,and cough disappearance time.The secondary outcomes were pulmonary rale disappearance time,average hospitalization time,lung X-ray infiltrate disappearance time,immunological indices,and inflammatory cytokine levels.Results:Twelve relevant SRs were included;75%(9/12)were assessed as very low quality,and 25%(3/12)Were rated as low quality using the AMSTAR 2 criteria.According to the PRISMA 2020 checklist,the average SR score was 20.3 out of a 27 point maximum.In all SRs,CHM demonstrated improvement in symptoms and signs among children with MPP.The evidence quality using the GRADE criteria ranged from"very low"(>50%)to"moderate"(<5%).The most common downgrading factor was imprecision,followed by publication bias and inconsistency.Conclusion:This overview highlights the limited quality of the methodology and evidence of the included SRs.Although the included studies showed the beneficial effects of CHM on MPP in children,it was difficult to draw firm conclusions owing to methodological flaws.

The potential of Chinese herbal medicines in treating anxiety disorders

In recent years,there has not been much progress in developing anxiolytic drugs.Amongst the barriers are the lack of clarity on the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders,low product conversion rates for developing drugs targeting the receptors,and species variability.Some scientists have focused on natural medicines,especially herbal medicines in traditional Chinese medicine.New drugs with excellent anxiolytic activity are hoped to be found in herbal medicines with anxiolytic effects.This mini-review summarised three Chinese herbal medicines with anxiolytic effects and anxiolytic herbal formulas used in the traditional Chinese medicine clinic.Several key issues that block the development of new anxiolytic drugs are also discussed.We hope to provide some ideas for researching and developing new anxiolytic drugs and studying anxiolytic components in traditional Chinese medicine.

Clinical study on microscopic syndrome differentiation and traditional Chinese medicine treatment for liver stomach disharmony in chronic gastritis

BACKGROUND Chronic gastritis(CG)is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining.Liver-stomach disharmony(LSD)syndrome is believed to contribute to CG symptoms.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microcosmic syndrome differentiation and Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)treatment in patients with CG and LSD syndrome.METHODS Sixty-four patients with CG and LSD syndrome were randomly divided into two groups:The treatment group received CHM based on microcosmic syndrome differentiation and the control group received conventional Western medicine.The treatment course lasted 12 wk.The primary outcome was improvement in dyspeptic symptoms,measured using the Nepean Dyspepsia Index.The secondary outcomes included the improvement rate of endoscopic findings,histopathological findings,and microcosmic syndrome scores and the incidence of adverse events.RESULTS After 12 wk of treatment,the treatment group showed significantly greater improvement in dyspeptic symptoms than the control group(93.75%vs 65.63%,P<0.01).The treatment group also showed a significantly higher improvement rate in endoscopic findings than the control group(81.25%vs 53.13%,P<0.05).The improvement rates of histopathological findings and microcosmic syndrome scores were not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).No serious adverse events were observed in either group.CONCLUSION Microcosmic syndrome differentiation and CHM treatment can effectively improve dyspeptic symptoms and endoscopic findings in patients with CG and LSD syndrome and have a good safety profile.Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm the long-term efficacy and mechanism of action of this treatment.

Bioactive Components of Chinese Herbal Medicines in the Treatment of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders:Evidence and Potential Mechanisms

Disturbed cholesterol and glucose homeostasis play crucial roles in the development of various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases,cerebrovascular diseases,central nervous system diseases,and cancer.An increasing number of studies have shown that excessive body fat accumulation is associated with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance in a vicious cycle.This vicious cycle promotes the occurrence and development of the aforementioned diseases.Therefore,stabilizing the blood lipids and blood glucose of patients is the predominant strategy for improving the symptoms of patients with cardiovascular,cerebrovascular,and central nervous system diseases.Traditional Chinese medicine,mainly Chinese herbal medicine(CHM),has a history of more than 2000 years in China,which has established a unique theory and accumulated a great wealth of clinical experience.Moreover,CHM has been widely used in China and other countries for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,with the advantages of preventing and curing hyperlipidemia,diabetes,hypertension,and other diseases.However,the use of CHM in Western countries remains rather limited,partly because of the incomplete understanding of multiple complex components and uncertain pharmacological mechanisms.Herein,we review and discuss the benefits,molecular mechanisms,and clinical research progress of bioactive components of CHM and their preparations as therapeutics for hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia.

Comparing the effectiveness of pattern differentiation treatment and fixed formula treatment for perimenopausal syndrome with Chinese herbal medicine:A study protocol

Objective:To further understand and compare the effectiveness of pattern differentiation treatment and fixed prescription treatment in perimenopausal syndrome.Methods:The study will be conducted in the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions Workers'Medical Clinics,Hong Kong Baptist University Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre(Hong Kong,China).One hundred Chinese women,aged 45-55 years,will be recruited.The participants will be randomized into 2 groups.The intervention group will be administered medication,based on pattern differentiation,by qualified traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)practitioners.After each evaluation,TCM practitioners will evaluate and revise the prescription,based on the participants'patterns.The control group will be given the standard formula,i.e.,the Erxian decoction,which contains 6 herbs.The treatment period and the follow-up period will be 8 weeks each.The primary assessment outcome measure will be the Kupperman Index,and the secondary outcome measure will be the Menopause-specific Quality of Life Questionnaire score.Conclusion:Pattern-differentiated treatment is the basic principle of TCM to understand and treat diseases.The study will show the pattern-differentiated treatment is effectiveness than the fixed prescription.

Reduced risk of dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using Chinese herbal medicine:A nested case-control study

BACKGROUND Dementia is a prevalent condition in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients.While Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)is often employed as complementary therapy for glycemic control,its effect in controlling likelihood of dementia has not yet been fully elucidated.AIM To compare the risk of dementia between T2DM patients with and without CHM treatment.METHODS We undertook a nested case-control study and obtained data on patients 20-70 years of age who received medical care for T2DM between 2001 and 2010 from the National Health Insurance Research database in Taiwan.Cases,defined as those with dementia that occurred at least one year after the diagnosis of T2DM,were randomly matched to controls without dementia from the study cohort at a 1:1 ratio.We applied conditional logistic regression to explore the associations between CHM treatment and dementia.RESULTS A total of 11699 dementia cases were matched to 11699 non-dementia controls.We found that adding CHM to conventional care was related to a lower risk of dementia[adjusted odds ratio(OR)=0.51],and high-intensity CHM treatment was associated with an adjusted OR of 0.22.CONCLUSION This study shows that the cumulative CHM exposure was inversely associated with dementia risk in an exposureresponse manner,implying that CHM treatment may be embraced as a disease management approach for diabetic patients to prevent dementia.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of endometrial thickening during endocrine therapy combined with Chinese herbal medicine intervention after breast cancer surgery

Objective:To systematically evaluate the endometrial thickening and Chinese herbal medicine intervention effects during endocrine therapy following breast cancer surgery.Methods:Computerized searches were performed on CNKI,CBM,Wanfang,VIP,Pub Med,Embase,and Cochrane to gather randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of endometrial thickening combined with Chinese herbal medicine intervention during endocrine therapy after breast cancer surgery.The meta analysis is done using Rev Man 5.4,and the retrieval range is from the database's creation to January 2023.Results:There were 710 patients enrolled in a total of 12 RCTs.The results of Meta-analysis were as follows:combined with Chinese herbal medicine treatment for 3 months of endometrial thickness(MD=-1.12,95%CI[-1.47,0.77],P<0.00001);6 months endometrial thickness(MD=-1.90,95%CI[-2.38,-1.42],P<0.00001);endometrial thickness at 12 months(MD=-2.24,95%CI[-2.96,-1.52],P<0.00001);modified Kupperman score(MD=-10.45,95%CI[-19.10,-1.80],P=0.02);TCM syndrome score(SMD=-1.53,95%CI[-1.84,-1.22],P<0.00001);KPS score(MD=3.75,95%CI[2.81,4.68],P<0.00001);there was no significant difference in CA153,CEA,FSH and E2 between the two groups.Conclusion:After breast cancer surgery,endocrine therapy combined with Chinese herbal medicine can significantly lessen endometrial thickening and enhance patient quality of life.

Discovering the efficacy and mechanism of Chinese herbal medicine for distal symmetric polyneuropathy via integrating meta-analysis and network pharmacology analysis

Objective Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)has been commonly used in Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy(DSPN)treatment with satisfactory clinical effects,but the underlying pharmacological mechanism of CHM on DSPN remains unclear.We aimed to identify frequently used clinically effective CHM and its potential pharmacological mechanisms for DSPN by conducting meta-analysis and network pharmacology analysis.Methods We searched both Chinese and English databases from March 1990 to October 2022.Studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected for meta-analysis.After extracting the relevant data,we performed meta-analysis and frequency analysis.The active compounds and predicted targets of high-frequency herbs and DSPN-related targets were extracted from public databases.Then we conducted network construction,Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment,and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis to discover the potential pharmacological mechanisms.Results Sixteen articles were selected for meta-analysis,and nine high-frequency CHMs were identified,including Radix Astragali seu Hedysari,Rhizoma Ligustici,Caulis Spatholobi,Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae,Radix Paeoniae Alba,Flos Carthami,Radix Notoginseng,Radix Rehmanniae Recens,Rhizoma Corydalis.Fourteen hub targets including STAT3,CTNNB1,MAPK14,SRC,AKT1,TP53,EGFR,JUN,RELA,MAPK1,FOS,CCND1,HSP90AA1,MYC,and ten active compounds including Quercetin,Kaempferol,Luteolin,Apigenin,beta-sitosterol,Stigmasterol,Caffeic Acid,Aeginetic Acid,Vanillin,and Lauric Acid were identified by network analysis.Enrichment analysis showed that the biological process of hub targets included transcriptional regulation,cell proliferation,redox processes,apoptosis processes,ERK1 and ERK2 cascades,hypoxia reactions,MAPK cascades,and inflammatory responses.The main signalling pathways included HIF,TNF,and PI3K-AKT pathways.Conclusion Nine herbs were involved in the clinical therapeutic effect of CHM on DSPN treatment,and they may exert an anti-DSPN effect by regulating cell proliferation,apoptosis,and redox processes.

Integration of Chinese herbal medicines and exercise for insomnia:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:As a disease,insomnia is often ignored by the general public.Insomnia,which not directly fatal,may be equivalent to chronic suicide if it is not paid attention to.However,there are many theories on how to treat insomnia,and researchers have been searching for a cure.Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)and exercise therapy(ET)are relatively effective,and have been used since ancient times to treat insomnia.This study aimed to examine the effect of CHM combined with ET(CHM-ET)on patients with insomnia.Methods:We searched eight electronic databases including PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,the Cochrane Library,the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),the China Biology Medicine disc(CBMdisc),the China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP),the Wanfang Database to find randomized controlled trials(RCTs)evaluating CHM-ET in the treatment of insomnia patients up to September 13,2022.Two researchers read and screened the publications to extract data.We used the pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)as the evaluation indicators for each study,and the other was the total effective rate(TER).The Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the included literature.The level of evidence for this result was assessed by GARDE method.The meta-analysis was performed using STATA 14 software and RevMan 5.3.The research method was registered with PROSPERO(CRD42022350926).Results:We included fourteen randomized controlled trials,which including a total of 1,126 participants.Compared with the control group,the experimental group showed significantly improvements in sleep effect as reflected by the reduced PSQI score[mean difference(MD)=-2.47,95%confidence interval(CI)(-3.15,-1.78),I^(2)=92%]with low quality of evidence,and increased TER[risk ratio(RR)=1.23,95%CI(1.14,1.33),I^(2)=40%]with moderate quality of evidence.Compared with hypnotic drugs,CHM-ET significantly reduced the PSQI score[mean difference(MD)=-3.18,95%CI(-5.48,-0.89),I^(2)=73%]with low quality of evidence.The PSQI of CHM-ET significantly decreased compared with single CHM[mean difference(MD)=-3.04,95%CI(-5.84,-0.25),I^(2)=98%]with low quality of evidence,and ET[mean difference(MD)=-2.44,95%CI(-2.87,-2.02),I^(2)=0%]with moderate quality of evidence.No serious adverse reactions were observed.Conclusion:This review suggested that CHM-ET may be an effective treatment for insomnia.However,given the limited quality of the studies and methodologies included in the trials,further rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed for more accurate results.

Analysis of Adverse Reactions in the Treatment of COVID-19 with Three Chinese Patent Medicines and Three Herbal Formulas

Objective To explore the rules and characteristics of the adverse drug reactions(ADRs)of three Chinese patent medicines and three herbal formulas for the treatment of COVID-19,and to provide a reference for clinical safe medication.Methods The cases and ADR reports of the three Chinese patent medicines and three herbal formulas in PubMed,Web of Science,Springer Link,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP database were retrieved from December 2019 to May 2021.Then we extracted and analyzed the effective information included in the literature.Results and Conclusion According to the pre-developed retrieval plan,a total of 136 documents were obtained,and a total of 6 documents met the inclusion criteria finally.553 patients used three Chinese patent medicines and three herbal formulas,and there were 133 cases of adverse reactions.The adverse reactions of patients taking the three Chinese patent medicines and three herbal formulas can all be explained under the theory of traditional Chinese medicine,and the adverse reactions can be eliminated by adding or subtracting the flavor of the medicine or stopping the medicine.

Effects of Salinity and Dietary Chinese Herbal Medicine on Survival and Growth of Juvenile Fenneropenaeus chinensis

[Objective] The aim of this study was to provide theoretical basis for the large-scale breeding of Fenneropenaeus chinensis as well as the promotion of Chinese herbal medicine.[Method] The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of salinity（12‰,20‰ and 28‰）and dietary Chinese herbal medicine（CHM：0%,1%,2% and 4%）on survival and growth of juvenile F.chinensis with the average initial wet body weight of 0.027±0.005 g.The experiment lasted for 5 weeks.[Result] The survival rate,specific growth rate,food consumption and apparent digestibility coefficient was increased with CHM level increasing;when attained the critical value,the survival rate,specific growth rate,food consumption and apparent digestibility coefficient decreased with CHM level increasing.Food conversion ratio decreased with CHM level increasing,and then it increased after attained the critical value.At each CHM level,the survival rate,specific growth rate,food consumption and apparent digestibility coefficient were highest at salinity of 20‰,while food conversion ratio was lowest at salinity 20‰.[Conclusion] Salinity and CHM had a significant effect on growth of F.chinensis,which should be paid more attention in the breeding.

Investigation of Heavy Metal Contents in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Peristrophe roxburghiana Collected from Northwest of Guangxi

Objective] This study was conducted to evaluate the product quality and safety of Peristrophe roxburghiana_ col ected from different places in Hechi City, northwest of Gunagxi, so as to provide basic data for further development and uti-lization of the characteristic plant resource P. roxburghiana. [Method] Contents of 9 kinds of heavy metals including Cd, Mn, Pb, Zn and Cu in the herb were deter-mined by the method of wet digestion-flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry, respectively. [Results] Heavy metal contents of Cd, Mn, Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Hg and Se were 1.62-17.25, 8.93-142.53, 4.37-18.43, 103.7-242.81, 2.55-5.35, 85.40-146.30, 0.07-0.54, 0.00-0.08 and 0.00-0.47 mg/kg, respectively. According to the national food safety standards and Green Trade Standards of lmporting ＆amp; Exporting Medicinal plants ＆amp; Preparations, the heavy metal contents of the P. roxburghiana_samples col ected from different coun-ties in Hechi City exceeded standards or at the critical values. Among which, Cd, Pb and Zn contents of the samples are seriously higher than the standards. [Con-clusion] Therefore, the impact of soil heavy metal pol ution on the safety of edible plants in the northwest of Guangxi should be highly concerned.

Effects of a Self-made Compound Chinese Herbal Medicine Additive on Growth Performance and Occurrence of Diarrhea in Weaned Piglets

In this study,the effects of compound Chinese herbal medicine on growth performance and occurrence of diarrhea in weaned piglets were investigated.A compound Chinese herbal medicine that consisted of Astragalus membranaceus,Codonopsis pilosula,Epimedium sagittatum,massa medicata fermentata,Atractylodes macrocephala,malt,Glycyrrhiza uralensis,Angelica sinensis and Crataegus pinnatifida,was crushed and then passed through a 500-mesh sieve.The obtained powder was added to the basal diet of weaned piglets.A total of 100 healthy crossbred weaned piglets,aging 26±2 days,were selected.They were randomly divided into 5groups（20 piglets/group） in according to principles of similar parity（3-5）,similar body weight and half male and half female.The piglets in the control group were fed with basal diet.For the piglets in the I,II and III groups,0.4%,0.7% and 1.0%of Chinese herbal medicine additive were added to the basal diets,respectively.The basal diet of piglets in the IV group was added with 30 mg/kg of oxytetracycline.The results showed the incidences of diarrhea in I,II and III groups were4.85%,5.14% and 5.63% lower than that of control groups（P〈0.05）.There was no significant difference in incidence of diarrhea between the control and the IV groups.

Isolation and Identification of the Pathogen Causing Skin Ulcer Disease in Cynoglossus semilaevis Günther and Its Sensitivity to Chinese Herbal Medicine

In this study, the pathogen causing skin ulcer disease in Cynoglossus semilaevis Gunther was isolated for morphological observation, physiological and bio- chemical identification. According to the result, the isolated pathogen was identified as Vibrio harveyi. The results of recurrent infection of C. semilaevis Gonther showed that the pathogen was strongly pathogenic to C. semilaevis Gunther. In or- der to explore the pathogenesis, outer membrane protein （OMP） gene of C. semi- laevis Gunther was detected by PCR. The results showed that all the three repre- sentative strains harbored OMP gene. According to the results of sensitivity test of the pathogen to Chinese herbal medicine, Galla Chinensis, Fructus Mume, Fructus Hippophae and Lignum Sappan exerted strong antibacterial effects against V. harveyr, Pericarpium Granati exhibited slight antibacterial effect against V. harveyi; Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, Rhizoma Acori GramineL Herba Houttuyniae, Herba Portulacae, Herba Andrographis, Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Herba Menthae Heplocalycis had little effect on V. harveyi. Galla Chinensis, Fructus Mume, Fructus Hippophae and Lignum Sappan were prepared into three prescriptions, among which prescription 1 （Galla Chinensis ＋ Fructus Mume） exhibited the strongest antibacterial effect.

Effects of Salinity Fluctuation and Dietary Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines on Survival,Growth and Immunity of Exopalaemon carinicauda

[Objective]The aim of this study was to provide a theoretical basis for the large-scale breeding of Exopalaemon carinicauda. [Method]Effects of salinity fluctuation （S0,S3,S6 and S9 represented salinity fluctuations of 0,3,6 and 9 respectivley） and dietary traditional Chinese herbal medicines （0,1%,2% and 4% respectively） on survival,growth and immunity of E.carinicauda were studied,and its experiment lasted for 60 d. [Result]The results showed that specific growth rate,feed conversion efficiency and superoxide dismutase activity of E.carinicauda in the treatment group with 1% dietary traditional Chinese herbal medicine and S6 salinity fluctuation were higher than those in other treatments,which was significantly higher than the treatment groups with S0,S3 and S9 salinity fluctuation at the same adding level of 1% dietary traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The regression analysis indicated that at S0,S3 and S6 salinity fluctuation,the optimal adding level of dietary traditional Chinese herbal medicines in feeds decreased with the increase of salinity fluctuation,accounting for 2.74%,1.77% and 0.51% respectively. At four adding levels of dietary traditional Chinese herbal medicines,the optimal salinity fluctuation of E.carinicauda also decreased with the increase of dietary traditional Chinese herbal medicines in feeds,accounting for 5.26,4.95,3.54 and 1.97 respectively. [Conclusion]Salinity,dietary traditional Chinese herbal medicines and their interactions have a significant effect on survival,growth and immunity of E.carinicauda,which calls for attentions in the breeding.

Effects of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine on the Structure of Duodenal Mucosa of Chickens under Heat Stress

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese herbal medicine on the structure of duodenal mucosa of chickens under heat stress. [Method] One hundred and twenty 88-day-old Isa Brown chickens were randomly divided into six groups, including three control groups （normal temperature control group, high temperature control group, high temperature Vc control group） and three high-temperature administration groups （high-dose administration group, moderate-dose administration group, low-dose administration group）. Chickens in normal temperature control group were reared at 14-25 ℃, and those in other five groups were reared at 28-39 ℃. The experiment lasted 10 d. Five chickens in each group were euthanized at 1, 4, 8 and 10 d post-treatment, respectively. The duodenal mucosa was collected and prepared into tissue slices with the conventional method for hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Mucosal thickness, villus length and crypt depth of duodenal mucosa were measured. [Result] Under heat stress, duodenal mucosal thickness and villus length were both significantly lower than those in normal temperature control group, and the duodenal villi were scarce and thin. However, under high temperature conditions, various indicators in high-dose and moderate-dose administration groups were higher than those in high temperature control group and high temperature Vc control group, which exhibited extremely significant differences at 8 and 10 d post-treatment, especially. Moreover, various indicators in high-dose administration group were significantly higher than those in moderate-dose and low-dose administration groups. The traditional Chinese herbal medicine prescription exhibited higher protective effects on duodenal mucosa of chickens under heat stress compared with high temperature Vc control group. [Conclusion] Under heat stress, traditional Chinese herbal medicine reduced effectively the duodenal mucosa damage in chickens.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Resources with Bacteriostatic and Insecticidal Activities and Their Application as Pesticides

Herbal pesticides refer to the active ingredients extracted from herbs which are used for pest and disease control in crops or pure substances isolated from them. They are of great significance for the production of pollution-free agricultural products, as well as for exploiting the abundant plant resources in China for the prevention and control of pests. In this paper, the advantages of herbal pesticides,such as being environment-friendly, diverse patterns of action, safety for higher animals and the natural enemies of pests and making it hard for pests to produce resistance were first stated; then, Chinese herbal medicine resources with antibacterial and insecticidal activities from 49 families and their functions were reviewed, and 19kinds of herbal pesticides that have been developed and applied in China and seven kinds that have been produced on a large scale were also introduced; finally,three issues deserving further exploration during the development and application of herbal pesticides were presented, that is, research in variety selection and cultivation of herbs, and methods for extraction of active ingredients; basic research in the structure identification of herbal active ingredients, and the relationship between plant variety and active ingredients; development of lead compounds based on herbal active ingredients.