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.

Problem identification and revitalization strategies for the recovery and reconstruction of traditional villages in the Ms 6.8 Luding Earthquake

Post-disaster reconstruction is a topic of global concern,and traditional villages have special heritage attributes and need to face more requirements and obstacles in post-disaster reconstruction.This paper summarizes four concepts based on the research on post-disaster reconstruction both domestically and internationally,as well as the recovery and reconstruction of cultural heritage.Through a field survey of traditional villages in the Ms 6.8 Luding earthquake-stricken area,it is found that there are problems such as insufficient awareness of heritage value,misalignment of scientific reconstruction technology,and insufficient protection of reconstruction elements during the reconstruction process.Traditional villages face the risk of declining or even loss of heritage value.In order to effectively protect traditional villages and inherit the carrier of regional culture,four targeted reconstruction response strategies are proposed,i.e.,to"establish special planning for traditional village preservation","emphasize recovery of the authenticity of village heritage","ensure elements for village heritage recovery"and"promote the activation and utilization of village heritage",based on the problems discovered during the survey and the four concepts summarized in the research on post-disaster reconstruction of traditional villages.The research results hope to provide useful reference for ancient cultural areas affected by earthquakes on how to protect cultural heritage during the post-disaster reconstruction process.

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.

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.

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.

Argа-Bilig theory in traditional Mongolian medicine:a theoretical and practical perspective

The concept of Arga and Bilig serves as a foundational principle in both ancient Mongolian philosophy and traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM). Arga, symbolized by brightness and associated with qualities of fire and activity, complements Bilig, symbolized by darkness and representing attributes of water and stillness. Together, these opposing forces permeate all aspects of existence, from the genesis of parenthood to the interplay of day and night. Understanding Arga-Bilig is crucial for diagnosing and treating diseases, as it illuminates the source of imbalance within the body. This review provides an overview of the significance of Arga-Bilig in Mongolian philosophy and its application in TMM, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of these opposing forces and their role in maintaining balance and harmony within the body.

Systems Theory-Driven Framework for AI Integration into the Holistic Material Basis Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine

This paper introduces a systems theory-driven framework to integration artificial intelligence(AI)into traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)research,enhancing the understanding of TCM’s holistic material basis while adhering to evidence-based principles.Utilizing the System Function Decoding Model(SFDM),the research progresses through define,quantify,infer,and validate phases to systematically explore TCM’s material basis.It employs a dual analytical approach that combines top-down,systems theory-guided perspectives with bottom-up,elements-structure-function methodologies,provides comprehensive insights into TCM’s holistic material basis.Moreover,the research examines AI’s role in quantitative assessment and predictive analysis of TCM’s material components,proposing two specific AIdriven technical applications.This interdisciplinary effort underscores AI’s potential to enhance our understanding of TCM’s holistic material basis and establishes a foundation for future research at the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern technology.

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.

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.

Promise and challenges of traditional Chinese medicine,specifically Calculus bovis,in liver cancer treatment

Liver cancer,one of the most common malignancies worldwide,ranks sixth in incidence and third in mortality.Liver cancer treatment options are diverse,inclu-ding surgical resection,liver transplantation,percutaneous ablation,transarterial chemoembolization,radiotherapy,chemotherapy,targeted therapy,immuno-therapy,and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).A multidisciplinary team(MDT)is essential to customize treatment plans based on tumor staging,liver function,and performance status(PS),ensuring individualized patient care.Treatment decisions require a MDT to tailor strategies based on tumor staging,liver function,and PS,ensuring personalized care.The approval of new first-line and second-line drugs and the establishment of standard treatments based on immune checkpoint inhibitors have significantly expanded treatment options for advanced liver cancer,improving overall prognosis.However,many patients do not respond effectively to these treatments and ultimately succumb to the disease.Modern oncology treatments,while extending patient survival,often come with severe side effects,resistance,and damage to the body,negatively impacting quality of life.Huang et al's study published at World Journal of Gastroenterology rigorously validates the anticancer properties of Calculus bovis,enhancing our understanding of TCM and contributing to new liver cancer treatment strategies.For over 5000 years,TCM has been used in East Asian countries like China to treat various diseases,including liver conditions.Analysis of real-world clinical data suggests that for patients with advanced-stage tumors lacking effective treatments,integrated TCM therapies could provide significant breakthroughs.

Spatial evolution and spatial production of traditional villages from "backward poverty villages" to "ecologically well-off villages": Experiences from the hinterland of national nature reserves in China

With the rapid urbanization process,the space of traditional villages in China is undergoing significant changes.Studying the spatial evolution of traditional villages is significant in promoting rural spatial transformation and realizing rural revitalization and sustainable rural development.Based on the traceability analysis of spatial production theory,this paper constructed an analytical framework for the spatial production evolution of traditional villages,analyzed the spatial evolution process and characteristics of traditional villages by using buffer analysis,spatial syntax,and other research methods,and revealed the characteristics of the spatial production evolution of traditional villages and the driving mechanism.The results show that:(1)The village spatial formation and development follow the village life cycle theory and usually develop from embryonic villages to diversified and integrated villages;(2)The evolution of village spatial production is characterized by the diversity of material space,the sublimation of daily life space,and the integration of social system space and generalization of emotional space;(3)The evolution of village spatial production from backward and poor village to ecologically well-off village is influenced by a combination of factors;(4)The village has formed a spatial structure of"people-land-scape-culture-industry",realized comprehensive reconstruction and spatial reproduction.The study results reflect the spatial evolution characteristics of traditional villages in mountainous areas in a more comprehensive way,which helps to promote the protection and development of traditional villages in mountainous areas and,to a certain extent,provides a reference for the development of rural revitalization.

Impacts of agri-food e-commerce on traditional wholesale industry:Evidence from China

Rapidly expanding studies investigate the effects of e-commerce on company operations in the retail market.However,the interaction between agri-food e-commerce(AEC)and the traditional agri-food wholesale industry(AWI)has not received enough attention in the existing literature.Based on the provincial panel data from 2013 to 2020 in China,this paper examines the effect of AEC on AWI,comprising three dimensions:digitalization(DIGITAL),agrifood e-commerce infrastructure and supporting services(AECI),and agri-food e-commerce economy(AECE).First,AWI and AEC are measured using an entropy-based combination of indicators.The results indicate that for China as a whole,AWI has remained practically unchanged,whereas AEC exhibits a significant rising trend.Second,the findings of the fixed-effect regression reveal that DIGITAL and AECE tend to raise AWI,whereas AECI negatively affects AWI.Third,threshold regression results indicate that AECI tends to diminish AWI with three-stage inhibitory intensity,which manifests as a first increase and then a drop in the inhibition degree.These results suggest that with the introduction of e-commerce for agricultural product circulation,digital development will have catfish effects that tend to stimulate the vitality of the conventional wholesale industry and promote technical progress.Furthermore,the traditional wholesale industry benefits financially from e-commerce even while it diverts part of the traditional wholesale circulation for agricultural products.

Potential of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease:A promising future

In this editorial,we provide insights into the publication by Niu et al featured in the latest edition of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.Specifically,our focus was on exploring the potential of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)induced by a high-fat diet through various mechanisms.NAFLD is a common liver condition,affecting approximately 25%of the world's population.It is closely linked to metabolic syndrome,insulin resistance,excessive body weight,and irregular lipid processing,leading to fat accumulation in the liver,as well as oxidative stress and inflammation.While maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle are essential for managing NAFLD,treatment options are limited due to undefined pathogenesis and a lack of specific medications.TCM,rooted in traditional Chinese practices,presents a promising alternative through its"syndrome differentiation and treatment"principles,enhancing liver lipid metabolism,reducing inflammation,and addressing fibrosis.Certain herbs,such as Poria cocos,Puaria lobata,and Salvia miltiorrhiza,have shown significant efficacy in reducing fat deposition and improving liver function.Due to systematic research and analysis of mechanisms,TCM is anticipated to yield new approaches to prevent and treat NAFLD,increasing its clinical application.

Microbiomics and metabolomics insights into the microbial regulation on the formation of flavor components in the traditional fermentation process of Chinese Hongqu aged vinegar

This study aimed to investigate microbial succession and metabolic dynamics during the traditional fermentation of Hongqu aged vinegar,and explore the core functional microbes closely related to the formation of flavor components.Microbiome analysis demonstrated that Lactobacillus,Acetobacter,Bacillus,Enterobacter,Lactococcus,Leuconostoc and Weissella were the predominant bacterial genera,while Aspergillus piperis,Aspergillus oryzae,Monascus purpureus,Candida athensensis,C.xylopsoci,Penicillium ochrosalmoneum and Simplicillium aogashimaense were the predominant fungal species.Correlation analysis revealed that Acetobacter was positively correlated with the production of tetramethylpyrazine,acetoin and acetic acid,Lactococcus showed positive correlation with the production of 2-nonanone,2-heptanone,ethyl caprylate,ethyl caprate,1-hexanol,1-octanol and 1-octen-3-ol,C.xylopsoci and C.rugosa were positively associated with the production of diethyl malonate,2,3-butanediyl diacetate,acetoin,benzaldehyde and tetramethylpyrazine.Correspondingly,non-volatile metabolites were also detected through ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.A variety of amino acids and functional dipeptides were identified during the traditional brewing of Hongqu aged vinegar.Correlation analysis revealed that Lactobacillus was significantly associated with DL-lactate,indolelactic acid,D-(+)-3-phenyllactic acid,pimelic acid,pregabalin and 3-aminobutanoic acid.This study is useful for understanding flavor formation mechanism and developing effective strategies for the suitable strains selection to improve the flavor quality of Hongqu aged vinegar.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Erhuang Suppository for Treatment of Persistent High-risk Human Papillomavirus Infection and Its Impact on Transcriptome of Uterine Cervix

Objective High-risk human papillomavirus(HR-HPV)infection is the chief cause of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia(CIN)and cervical carcinoma.The Erhuang suppository(EHS)is a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)prepared from realgar(As_(2)S_(2)),Coptidis rhizoma,alumen,and borneolum syntheticum and has been used for antiviral and antitumor purposes.However,whether EHS can efficiently alleviate HR-HPV infection remains unclear.This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of EHS for the treatment of persistent HR-HPV infection in the uterine cervix.Methods In this study,we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of EHS in a randomized controlled clinical trial with a 3-month follow-up.Totally,70 patients with persistent HR-HPV infection were randomly assigned to receive intravaginal administration of EHS or placebo.HPV DNA,ThinPrep cytologic test(TCT),colposcopy,and safety evaluation were carried out after treatment.Microarray analysis was performed to compare transcriptome profiles before and after EHS treatment.A K14-HPV16 mouse model was generated to confirm the efficiency of EHS.Results After 3 months,74.3%(26/35)of the patients in the treatment group were HPV negative,compared to 6.9%(2/29)in the placebo group.High-throughput microarrays revealed distinct transcriptome profiles after treatment.The differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in complement activation,immune response,and apoptotic processes.The K14-HPV16 mouse model also validated the remarkable efficacy of EHS.Conclusion This study demonstrated that EHS is effective against HR-HPV infection and cervical lesions.Additionally,no obvious systemic toxicity was observed in patients during the trial.The superior efficacy and safety of EHS demonstrated its considerable value as a potential cost-effective drug for the treatment of HPV infection and HPV-related cervical diseases.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.