Advances in Research Methods of Pharmacodynamic Substances in Traditional Chinese Medicines and Their Application in the Teaching of Traditional Chinese Medicine Analysi

With the continuous progress of science and technology,the research methods of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine are developing,and the application of these methods in teaching is becoming more and more extensive.By introducing these research methods into the classroom,teachers can help students to deeply understand the nature and mechanism of action of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine,and improve their interest in and knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine.This paper introduces the definition of pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine,research methods,and their application in the teaching of traditional Chinese medicine analysis.

Computer Handling of Chemical and Biological Data of Traditional Chinese Medicines

A specialty database has been established at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to handle the chemical and biological data of medicinal plants and other natural products from scientific literatures. Designed as a relational system capable of analyzing, comparing, and correlating data, the system can retrieve information in assimilated tabular formats. The database can provide information supports to researchers in the fields of medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, botany and other disciplines of natural products research.

A Systematic Review on Chemical Constituents of Suanzaoren Decoction, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription

Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription Suanzaoren decoction (SZRD) is composed of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Anemarrhenae rhizoma, Poria and Licorice. It was used to treat central nervous system diseases such as insomnia and anxiety for thousands of years. This paper aims to systematically understand varieties and quantities of compounds and clarify chemical components of SZRD, subsequently to further provide the reference for phytochemistry and pharmacology researches of SZRD. Our results showed that SZRD contained 145 components, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, coumarins, phthalides, and volatile oils, etc., while five-single herbs contain 1104 components. Only in terms of compound number, there were 80 common components in SZRD and its five herbs, which accounted for 6.8% of total compounds in all 5 herbs and 55.2% of compounds in SZRD. The components of SZRD were not simply the sum of one in every single herb. It is necessary to perform parallel studies among SZRD and its herbs. This review discussed the problems that existed in the chemical research of SZRD and pointed out the direction for its further research.

Computational investigation on the molecular structure and chemical reactivity of a traditional Chinese medicine extract MK-1 molecule

MK-1 molecule(C_(16)H_(16)O_(2)),the simplest structure of vitamin K(VK)compound family,is an extract from traditional Chinese medicine Cymbopogon distans(Nees ex Steud.)Wats(Chinese name YunXiangCao),which has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years due to its antiasthmatic,antitussives and expectorant effects.To investigate the molecular structure and chemical reactivity of MK-1 molecule,computational investigations on six conformational minima structures were carried out at the MP2/6-311++G(2d,2p)level of theory.Several local reactivity descriptors including condensed Fukui function,average local ionization energy,and molecular electrostatic potential on each individual atom were determined to predict the intrinsic reactivity of MK-1 molecule.

The Prospect of Application of Extractive Reference Substance of Chinese Herbal Medicines

The emerging development of Extractive Reference Substance (ERS) is a methodology that meets the needs for quality control for Chinese Herbal Medicines (CHM) and respects the holistic viewpoint of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its clinical use of multiple ingredients with synergistic effects. The convention of using just a selected few Chemical Reference Substances (CRS) cannot adequately assess the quality of intact CHM. A validated chemical spectrum of an ERS provides the global characteristics in order to more specifically identify and assess targeted CHM. This paper describes the fundamental concepts, potential significance, and basic criteria of ERS, along with methods of preparation and calibration. Given the diversity of CHM, the various problems that will occur in establishing the proper process of ERS will need to be solved in a step by step manner. The ERSs of Ziziphi spinosae semen and ERS of Fritillaria thunbergii bulbus are given as examples of the development of ERS and demonstrate why we are optimistic about the utility of this approach.

Analogous Systems Principles and Concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Congruence Couple Therapy

This article explicates the analogous principles and concepts between traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and congruence couple therapy(CCT).Although originating out of vastly different times and places,TCM and CCT share a view of health based on systems understanding to facilitate the interconnections of the parts of an organism rather than focusing on eliminating symptoms.Both approaches aim to release Qi(气)and vitality by removing blockages through adjusting the interactions,adaptation,and balance of multiple elements and Yin‑Yang energies.The goal is to liberate the Qi or life force through improved holistic balance and cooperation.While TCM focuses on interventions at the level of the body,CCT focuses on the attention,awareness,acknowledgement,and alignment of the four human dimensions consisting of the intrapsychic,interpersonal,intergenerational,and universal‑spiritual.In light of the current trend toward increasing mental,substance use,and neurological disorders,in particular among countries of middle and low income,dialogue to explore these compatibilities between TCM and CCT is conducive to the continuous evolution of TCM and Western therapies to address not only physical health but also the exigencies of contemporary addiction and mental health care within a mind–body relationship matrix.

Integrated Systems Biology and Chemical Biology Approach to Exploring Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicines

After thousands of years of development, traditional Chinese medicines （TCMs） have evolved into a complete scientific system characterized by multiple components, targets, and pathways, which mediates numerous pharmacological activities and efficacies. The development of ＂-omics＂ technology, including systems biology and network pharmacology, has enabled the illustration of TCMs from a more systematic view. Although the network adequately reflects the overall philosophy of TCMs, its complexity hinders the relevant research to a hover. In addition, the strategies involved appear to be in contrast to the original concise and efficacious disease therapy oriented focus on classic Chinese material medica （CMM）. Based on the established holistic view and reductionism, in this review, we discuss an integrated systems biology and chemical biology research approach that will facilitate and accelerate the understanding of the mechanisms of TCMs. Furthermore, we are optimistic that it will elucidate the associated interactions between active natural products and their targets, and ultimately improve the strategies for complex disease therapies.

Chemical Progress in Cyclopeptide-containing Traditional Medicines Cited in Chinese Pharmacopoeia

Plant cyclopeptides, cyclic compounds formed mainly by the peptidic bonds of 2--37 protein and non-protein amino acids （mainly L-amino acids） and found in higher plants, have been attractive for their extensive bioactivities and distinctive molecular architectures. During the last half century＇s study, about 500 cyclopeptides divided into eight types have been isolated from over 120 species, which belong to over 20 families and 60 genera. Some cyclopeptides showed potential anti-tumor, sedative, immunosuppressive, and uterotonic activities. In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia （CP, 2010 Version）, 23 species （14 families, 18 genera） containing cyclopeptides have been re- corded in the origins of 24 traditional Chinese medicines （TCMs）. Heterophyllin B （64）, first reported by us from Pseudostellaria heterophylla in 1993 was cited for the first time in CP as the standard substance of cyclopeptides for quality control. In this review, we highlight the progress in the chemical studies of these cyclopeptide-containing TCMs, in particular recent results in our group＇s publications.

Characterization of multiple chemical components of GuiLingJi by UHPLC-MS and ^(1)H NMR analysis

GuiLingJi(GLJ),a classic traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formula,is composed of over 20 herbs,according to the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.Owing to its various activities,GLJ has been used in clinical settings for more than 400 years in China.However,the ambiguous chemical material basis limits the development of studies on the quality control and pharmacological mechanisms of GLJ.Therefore,comprehensive characterization of the multiple chemical components of GLJ is of great significance for the modernization of this formula.Given the great variety of herbs in GLJ,both UHPLCMS and ^(1)H NMR techniques were employed in this study.In addition,solvent extraction with different polarities was used to eliminate signal interference and the concentration of trace components.A variety of MS analytic methods were also used,including implementation of a self-built compound database,diagnostic ion filtering,mass defect filtering,and Compound Discoverer 3.0 analysis software.Based on the above strategies,a total of 150 compounds were identified,including 5 amino acids,13 phenolic acids and glycosides,11 coumarins,72 flavones,20 triterpenoid and triterpenoid saponins,23 fatty acids,and 6 other compounds.Moreover,13 compounds were identified by ^(1)H NMR spectroscopy.The UHPLC-MS and ^(1)H NMR results supported and complemented each other.This strategy provides a rapid approach to analyzing and identifying the chemical composition of Chinese herbal prescriptions.The current study provides basis for further research on the quality control and pharmacological mechanism of GLJ.

A SERIES OF STRATEGIES FOR SOLVING THE SHORTAGE OF REFERENCE STANDARDS FOR MULTI-COMPONENTS DETERMINATION OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

The shortage of reference standards has become the bottleneck of quality control of TCMs.In this study,a series of strategies,including one single reference standard to determine multi-compounds(SSDMC),quantitative analysis by standardized reference extract(QASRE),and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance

The effect of continuous Jue tone intervention on blood pressure and vasoactive substances in hypertensive rats with a liver-fire hyperactivity pattern

Objective:Jue tone is a kind of sound,using 3-mi as the main tone,and is melodious,profound,makes people feel comfortable and pleasant.This study aimed to explore the probable mechanism of Jue tone to reduce blood pressure(BP)in hypertensive rats with a liver-fire hyperactivity pattern by observing changes in BP as well as physiochemical indexes in plasma.Methods:Sixteen male spontaneous hypertensive rats(SHR)with a liver-fire hyperactivity pattern were randomly divided into a control group and a Jue tone group.The rats in the Jue tone group were treated with Jue tone(55e65 dB,played by the five elements of music rhythm instrument,a kind of physiotherapy regimen music played by Shen Wu)once a day for 4 weeks.The BP levels in each group were measured twice a week,on Monday and Friday.The levels of angiotensin II(Ang-II),thromboxane B2(TXB2),endothelin-1(ET-1),calcitonin gene-related peptide(cGRP),norepinephrine(NE),cortisol(CORT),and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT).in plasma were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after 4 weeks of intervention.Results:BP and the levels of TXB2 and ET-1 in the plasma of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group,while the level of cGRP was significantly higher.Conclusion:Jue tone can reduce the BP of hypertensive rats with a liver-fire hyperactivity pattern.The mechanism may correlate with a reduction in TXB2 and ET-1 and an increase in cGRP with the reduction of reactive oxygen species(ROS).

QUALITY CONTROL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINES: INVESTIGATION ON CHEMICAL MARKERS

Traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs)have played an important role in the treatment of diseases for thousands of years.With the rise of the combination therapy for multi-gene diseases,TCMs attracted more attentions gradually.However,TCMs is a complex system which could contain tens,or even hundreds of compounds.Selection of chemical markers is thus a key to the

基于外泌体精准靶向调控肿瘤微环境的中药抗肿瘤作用研究进展

中药及复方制剂用于肿瘤治疗历史悠久,然而由于中药多成分、多靶点等特点,现有的药理研究技术尚未阐明中药抗癌药效物质及机制,限制了抗癌中药的临床应用及发展。因此,找到癌症早期临床诊断标志物及药物作用评价靶标尤为重要。外泌体是肿瘤微环境中细胞、组织、器官信息传递的主要介质之一,影响并决定肿瘤的恶性程度。本文通过对外泌体生物发生途径及功能进行综述,揭示外泌体在肿瘤微环境条件下,调控肿瘤发生发展的作用及机制,旨在阐释基于外泌体作为抗肿瘤药物载体,挖掘中药抗肿瘤药效物质,并构建“外泌体-肿瘤微环境-药效成分-作用靶点”整合分析方法,阐释中药抗肿瘤作用机制科学内涵的新思路与新方法,推动中医药在传承创新中高质量发展。

Application regularity of medicinal and dietary substances for patients during COVID-19 rehabilitation

Objective This study focused on the application regularity of medicinal and dietary sub-stances(MDS)of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)diet therapy during rehabilitation,in order to help patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)reduce sequelae and improve their life quality.Methods The official websites of the national and provincial health committees,the website of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,the China BioMedical Literature Database(CBM),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP),and Wanfang Database were used to search the keywords,such as“coronavirus”“novel coronavirus pneumonia”“COVID-19”“protocol”“guideline”“consensus”and“rehabilitation period”.The search time was from the establishment of databases to July 31,2022.The prevention and control protocols of various provinces and cities were manually supplemented and screened out.The information on the frequency,property,flavor,meridian tropism,and efficacy of MDS was collected for association rule analysis through the Apriori algorithm.Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using the Euclidean distance and longest distance.Results A total of 18 protocols were screened out,including 56 lists of TCM diet therapy,and 47 kinds of MDS with a frequency of 132 times during the rehabilitation of COVID-19.Among them,six lists of diet therapy were collected from national websites,26 from local government websites,and 24 from social and academic institution websites.The intended population can be divided into seven categories including normal recovery,lung-spleen Qi deficiency,deficiency of both Qi and Yin,spleen-stomach weakness,deficiency of Yang Qi,kidney Qi deficiency,and blood deficiency.Shanyao(Dioscoreae Rhizoma)and Lianzi(Nelumbinis Semen),followed by Dazao(Jujubae Fructus)were used most commonly in MDS,with mainly flat property,sweet flavor,and spleen and lung meridians in meridian tropism.Besides,deficiency-tonifying drugs were commonly used in MDS.Through association rule analysis,12 groups of association MDS pairs were obtained.The pair of Yiyiren(Coicis Semen)and Chenpi(Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium)had the highest Lift value,and Yiyiren(Coicis Semen)was used most frequently in the MDS category for eliminating pathogenic factors.The results of complex network analysis showed that the core MDS were Yiyiren(Coicis Semen),Shanyao(Dioscoreae Rhizoma),Huangqi(Astragali Radix),Fuling(Poria),and Dazao(Jujubae Fructus).Three core categories were classified by cluster analysis,including the category of strengthening spleen,nourishing kidney,and grasping Qi,the category of removing phlegm,abating panting,and regulating Qi,and the category of strengthening the middle-energizer and reinforcing Qi.Conclusion Based on the TCM theory,most patients during the rehabilitation of COVID-19 are in a state of lingering pathogens due to deficient vital Qi.TCM diet therapy is based on the principle of“giving both reinforcing and reducing treatment”,and the MDS combinations focus on both reinforcing the health Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors.The diet therapy mainly uses the MDS with flat property and sweet flavor,which belongs to deficiency-tonifying drugs,adding suitable MDS of pathogen-eliminating drugs according to different situations.The ultimate goal is to promote lung inflammation absorption,improve pulmonary fibrosis,increase immunity,reduce the occurrence of sequelae,and improve life quality.

基于双波长差示融合图谱的中药陈皮“质-量”双标质量分析方法研究

目的建立以对照药材为对照物质的定性和不依赖多种对照品定量的陈皮药材“质-量”双标控制方法。方法采用高效液相色谱(HPLC)法,以对照药材为基准建立陈皮特征图谱,结合双波长差示融合技术,确定15批陈皮药材共有特征峰,根据陈皮对照药材和供试药材特征峰的相似度,明确药材真伪,即“质”。采用质谱技术鉴定特征峰的化学成分,选取“橙皮苷”作为基准物质,进行准确定量分析,并通过基准物质对其余特征峰的化学成分进行相对定量,区分陈皮药材的优劣,即“量”。结果共确定了9个共有特征峰,鉴定出4个化学成分,分别为芸香柚皮苷、橙皮苷、川陈皮素以及橘皮素。10批陈皮与对照药材相似度为0.487~0.556,5批广陈皮药材相似度为0.992~0.996,规定了陈皮及广陈皮药材特征峰化学成分相对含量下限。结论本方法不依赖多种对照品,能精确、高效地判断药材的真伪优劣,可为中药的质量控制提供技术支持。

基于“质-量”双标的连翘质量分析方法研究

目的建立以对照药材为对照物质的定性和不依赖多种对照品定量的连翘药材“质-量”双标控制方法。方法采用高效液相色谱(HPLC)法建立连翘对照药材特征图谱,并通过质谱技术鉴定特征峰成分;通过比较对照药材和供试药材特征峰的相似度,明确药材的真伪,即“质”;其余特征峰的化学成分均通过基准物质相对定量,以区别药材的优劣,即“量”。结果建立的连翘药材“质-量”分析方法符合方法学考察要求,每批药材与对照药材相似度均在0.910以上,并规定了连翘药材特征峰化学成分的相对含量下限。结论该方法不依赖于多种对照品,能清晰、快速地判断连翘药材的真伪优劣,弥补了目前连翘药材在质量控制上的不足,完善了中药材质量控制体系,以期推动中医药事业可持续发展。

真菌发酵对中药化学成分的转化及应用研究进展

真菌发酵可以使中药化学成分发生糖基化、羟基化、甲基化等多种化学反应,并产生丰富的次生代谢产物,具有效率高、条件温和、选择性强、不污染环境、反应类型多等优势,但发酵过程的稳定性和可控性一直是个难题。该文概括了中药发酵技术及常用于发酵中药的真菌,综述了中药化学成分(黄酮、生物碱、甾体、萜类、醌类、苯丙素)的转化机制,并总结了真菌发酵中药常见菌种在中药成分转化中的应用,为后续合理利用真菌进行中药成分研究与开发提供参考依据。

古代丝绸之路上域外食药物质传入对中医食养发展影响初探

古代丝绸之路作为一条中外商贸、文化往来交流的重要通道,其对中医学的发展存在较为深远的影响。“食养”作为中医养生中维护人类健康、延长人类寿命的一种养生方式愈发得到重视。通过对“丝绸之路”中“食药物质”传入情况的梳理,发现其中某些物质被频繁使用制作药膳,包括粥、汤、酒、糕点、菜肴等不同类型、既有补虚等的日常药膳,也有针对某些疾病的治疗药膳;通过梳理还发现香料类“食药物质”被渗透到饮食的方方面面,于食可以调味又疗疾,于饮可以制出日常饮用的保健饮料,这些认识与应用都对现代中医食养的发展起到一定启示作用。

中药辐照灭菌研究进展

灭菌是中药生产的关键环节之一,更是确保中药安全、有效、质量可控的重要因素。传统灭菌技术如湿热灭菌等在诸多情况下因自身固有的缺点而受到限制。相比之下,辐照灭菌法凭借其快捷、高效、杀菌力强以及成本低等优势,日益受到人们的关注。然而,由于辐照具有放射性及强穿透性,中药化学成分复杂,在经一定剂量辐射后,其化学成分与药理活性等可能会发生变化。但目前,对于中药辐照灭菌后化学成分变化、有效性和安全性尚缺乏系统研究。本文结合近年来60Co-γ射线和电子束辐照灭菌在中药灭菌研究的现状,综述辐照对中药有效性的影响、辐照的检测方法以及安全性评价等,以期为后续中药辐照灭菌的应用提供一定的参考。

2D-LC/MS技术在中药分析中的应用

2D-LC/MS技术具有强大的分离能力和分辨率,且分析速度快、灵敏度高,能够提供化合物的精确质量数及碎片结构信息,可有效解决中药复杂体系中共洗脱及微量成分无法表征鉴定的问题,在中药分析领域具有良好的应用前景。本文简要综述了2D-LC/MS技术的特点及其在中药化学成分分析和鉴定中的应用,为今后2D-LC/MS技术在中药研究中发挥更大的作用提供参考。