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.

Yinqiao Sanhuang Paste Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine Plaster for the Intervention of Drug Rash Induced by Targeted Therapy in Lung Cancer

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of Yinqiao Sanhuang Paste combined with traditional Chinese medicine plaster in treating drug rash caused by targeted therapy in lung cancer.Methods:A total of 100 lung cancer patients treated at our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 50 patients in each group.The control group received conventional medication,while the observation group was treated with Yinqiao Sanhuang Paste combined with traditional Chinese medicine plaster.The clinical symptom improvement and adverse reactions in both groups were observed.Results:The effective rate in the control group was 80.00%,while in the observation group,it was 96.00%,with a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).The onset time,duration,and significant effect time in the control group were(2.41±0.29)days,(4.42±1.21)days,and(5.45±0.29)days,respectively;in the observation group,they were(2.44±0.21)days,(4.28±1.11)days,and(5.57±1.01)days,respectively.There was no statistically significant difference in the total onset time and total duration between the two groups(P>0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in the control group was 28.00%,higher than the observation group’s 10.00%(P<0.05).Conclusion:Yinqiao Sanhuang Paste combined with traditional Chinese medicine plaster can effectively reduce the symptoms of drug rash induced by targeted therapy in lung cancer and lower the incidence of adverse reactions,indicating good clinical application value.

Traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions and herbs for the treatment of hypothyroidism:a narrative review

The increasing prevalence of hypothyroidism,which can cause endocrine dysfunction,abnormal neurological function,and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular injuries,poses serious health problems.Thyroid hormone supplementation constitutes the current main therapeutic method for hypothyroidism,yet it has many limitations and risks and is not suitable for everyone.Therefore,it is necessary to seek alternative and complementary treatment methods.It has been proven in practice that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)possesses multi-channel comprehensive characteristics for the treatment of hypothyroidism and has more advantages than single thyroid hormone supplementation.Through a comprehensive examination of existing literature about TCM efficacy in addressing hypothyroidism,we have meticulously consolidated the most recent research findings on prescriptions and herbal substances employed in the treatment of this condition.Furthermore,we have explicated their respective functions in the management of hypothyroidism,thereby offering valuable perspectives and recommendations for the prospective utilization of natural remedies in its treatment.

Effects of four traditional Chinese medicinal herbs on plasma level of IL-6 and induced TNF level in burned rats with wound infection

Objective : Effects of the decoction of Coptis chinensis Franch. , Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi , P. chinense schneid and Lonicera japonica Thunb. on burn rats with wound infection were observed. Methods : Fifty-six rats were randomly divided into three groups :sham burn , burn wound infected control(BWIC) and burn wound infected and treatment(BWIT). The plasma was harvested from the experimental rats. Plasma IL-6 activity was measured by using the IL-6-dependent cell line B9. The isolated mono-nuclear cells (MNCs) were induced by LPS and cultured for 24 h. TNF in the culture supernatant was detected by ELISA. Results: Plasma IL-6 levels of BWIC and BWIT were significantly elevated at postburn (PB) 24 and 48h , and IL-6 level of BWIC was significantly higher than that of BWIT at PB 48h (P<0. 01). The induced TNF level of BWIT was significantly higher than that of BWIC at PB 24 and 48 h , and that of sham burn at 24 h(P<0. 01). Conclusion : The results indicate that this decoction could inhibit MNCs releasing from pro-inflammatory cytokines which are believed as an endogenous pyrogen.

Treatment Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Mycoplasma Gallisepticum Infection Spray against Experimental Mycoplasma Gallisepticum Infection

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the treatment efficacy of tradi- tional Chinese veterinary medicine mycoplasma gatlisepticum infection spray against experimental mycoplasma gallisepticum infection. [Method] Experimental chickens in- fected with mycoplasma gallisepticum were used as models to investigate the treat- ment efficacy of different doses of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine mycoplas- ma gallisepticum infection spray. [Result] Medication with traditional Chinese veteri- nary medicine mycoplasma gallisepticum infection spray for continuous 5 d showed certain treatment efficacy against mycoplasma gallisepticum infection. The relative weight gain rate of 0.5 and 1.0 g/m3 dose groups was significantly higher than the infection control group （P〈0.01）; the cure rate of mycoplasma gallisepticum infection spray groups was significantly higher than the infection control group （P〈0.01） and showed no significant difference compared with Taimiaoling control group （P〉0.05）; the mortality rate showed no significant difference among various groups （P〉0.05）, indicating that traditional Chinese veterinary medicine mycoplasma gallisepticum in- fection spray has relatively ideal treatment efficacy against mycoplasma gallisepticum infection. [Conclusion] This study provided reference for treatment of chickens infect- ed with mycoplasma gallisepticum.

Enhancing ulcerative colitis treatment with traditional Chinese medicine

Inflammatory bowel disease,particularly ulcerative colitis(UC),poses significant treatment challenges due to its chronic nature and potential for severe complications.This editorial reviews a recent network meta-analysis that evaluated the efficacy of and highlighted the superior outcomes achieved by combining each of five traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulations with mesalazine for the adjuvant treatment of UC.Clinical outcomes included enhanced mucosal healing,improved quality of life,and reduced recurrence rates.Additionally,the combination therapy resulted in a lower incidence of adverse reactions compared with mesalazine monotherapy.Despite these promising results,limitations such as variability in study quality and TCM dosage highlight the need for further highquality,large-sample,multicenter randomized controlled trials.This editorial underscores the potential of TCM in enhancing UC management and calls for more rigorous research to substantiate these findings and refine clinical guidelines.

Prospects for the future of clinical efficacy evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine——Emphasis on original theory and clinical practice

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)clinical efficacy evaluation runs through the development of TCM and has been progressing so far.With the introduction of evidence-based medicine(EBM)in recent 20 years,TCM clinical efficacy evaluation has developed rapidly,accumulated research and experience,improved the quality and standardization of research,but also gradually found deep-seated deficiencies.In 2019,the China Center for Evidence-based Traditional Chinese Medicine(CCEBTCM)was established,and TCM was included in the 11th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases(ICD-11).In above opportunities for TCM clinical efficacy evaluation,it is necessary to face up to the previous deficiencies,so that the TCM clinical efficacy evaluation can truly reflect the actual clinical practice characteristics,including TCM clinical problems,TCM thinking and TCM diagnosis&treatment mode.Based on the summary and analysis of past research,development concepts are proposed in this article.On the one hand,original concepts of TCM should be confidently paid more attention to the design and implementation of TCM clinical efficacy evaluation to be close to TCM clinical practice.On the other hand,it is necessary to consolidate the foundation of TCM clinical practice before evaluating efficacy.Evaluated object built on TCM ontology knowledge should be demonstrated based on clinical practice,and unknown evaluated object combined with new methods,technologies and concepts should be maturely integrated in clinical practice firstly.

A systematic review of treating Helicobacter pylori infection with Traditional Chinese Medicine

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection. METHODS: We electronically and manually searched electronic databases, references lists and conferences compilations, and included all randomized clinical trials comparing the treatment of H pylori using TCM with proton pump inhibitor or colloidal bismuth subcitratebased triple therapy as controls. The Jadad score was used to assess trial quality, H pylori eradication rate and the incidence of side effects were taken as outcome measurements, and heterogeneity analysis, meta-analysis and funnel plot analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Sixteen trials were included. The Jadad scores of all the trials were not more than 2. Clinical heterogeneity and substantial statistical heterogeneity existed among the trials (P = 0.001, I 2 = 59%) and meta-analysis was not conducted. The average eradication rates following TCM and triple therapy were 72% and 78% and the incidence of side effects were 2% and 29%, respectively. The funnel plot was obviously asymmetric. CONCLUSION: Available evidence is not convincing enough to show that TCM has the same efficacy as triple therapy in H pylori treatment. TCM may be safer than triple therapy. TCM should not be recommended as monotherapy in H pylori infection.

Traditional Chinese Medicinal Syndromes and Treatment in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer remains the third most common malignancy worldwide. According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), colorectal cancer is related to spleen-deficiency, damp-heat, and toxicity accumulation. Traditional Chinese medicine has been confirmed to effectively reduce toxic side effects and enhance curative effects of chemotherapy, palliate clinical syndrome, prevent recurrence and metastasis, improve quality of life and immune function, and prolong survival time in colorectal cancer. However, TCM theoretical and syndrome differentiation study has lagged far behind due to progression of therapy model in colorectal cancer. As a type of drug treatment, there are some common biological basis between chemotherapy, targeted therapy and anti-cancer herb therapy in colorectal cancer, such as apoptosis, cell senescence and autophagy. There are growing needs to explore the effect mechanism and compatibility of anti-cancer herbs, to further enhance the efficacy of TCM treatment in colorectal cancer.

Determination of vanadium in food and traditional Chinese medicine by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy

Various experimental conditions were described for the vanadium determinationby graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). The experiments showed that whenatomization took place under the conditions where the combination of a pyrolytic coating graphitetube and fast raising temperature were used and the temperature was stable, the signal peak shapescould be improved, the sensitivity was enhanced, and the memory effect was removed. The vanadium infood and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs can be accurately determined using the standard curvemethod.

Traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of hepatocarcinoma: From bench to bedside

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has played a positive role in the management of hepatocarcinoma. Hepatocarcinoma patients may present Qi-stagnation, damp-heat, blood stasis, Qi-deficiency, Yin-deficiency and other TCM syndromes(Zheng). Modern treatments such as surgery, transarterial chemoembolization(TACE) and high intensity focus ultrasound treatment would influence the manifestation of TCM syndromes. Herbs with traditional efficacy of tonifying Qi, blood and Yin, soothing liver-Qi stagnation, clearing heat and detoxifying and dissolving stasis, have been demonstrated to be potent to prevent hepatocarcinogenesis. TCM has been widely used in all aspects of integrative therapy in hepatocarcinoma, including surgical resection, liver transplantation, TACE, local ablative therapies and even as monotherapy for middle-advanced stage hepatocarcinoma. Clinical practices have confirmed that TCM is effective to alleviate clinical symptoms, improve quality of life and immune function, prevent recurrence and metastasis, delay tumor progression, and prolong survival time in hepatocarcinoma patients. The effective mechanism of TCM against hepatocarcinoma is related to inducing apoptosis, autophagy, anoikis and cell senescence, arresting cell cycle, regulating immune function, inhibiting metastasis and angiogenesis, reversing drug resistance and enhancing effects of chemotherapy. Along with the progress of research in this field, TCM will contribute more to the prevention and treatment of hepatocarcinoma.

The role of autophagy in the treatment of osteoporosis by Chinese medicines(natural)

Osteoporosis is one of the common orthopaedic diseases,characterised by increased bone fragility due to reduced bone mass and microstructural degeneration,posing a great threat to patients’quality of life and safety.In recent years,Chinese medicine(natural)has had a unique advantage in the treatment of osteoporosis and has shown good efficacy.Autophagy is an inherent cellular survival mechanism for the removal and recycling of damaged proteins and organelles and plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the intracellular environment and organ function.Therefore,this article aims to provide a comprehensive review of these Chinese medicines(natural)for the treatment of osteoporosis through autophagy.They have been intensively studied and reported to have effects such as promoting osteogenesis and anti-bone resorption.The Chinese medicines include plants such as Cistanche deserticola,Epimedium,Curculigo orchioides Gaertn,Achyranthes bidentata Blume,Leonurus japonicus Houtt,Ginseng,Chuanxiong Rhizome,Eucommia ulmoides,Morindae Officinalis Radix,Curcuma longa,Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix,Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge,Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge and Pueraria Lobata,thus providing evidence for the use of alternative herbal therapies for the effective treatment of osteoporosis.

International expert consensus on clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine formula granules

Guided by the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),TCM formula granules are made through the optimal process of extraction,concentration,drying,and granulation by combining modern new preparation technologies and pharmaceutical technologies.TCM formula granules are stable,safe,convenient,and effective.Compared with TCM decoction pieces,TCM formula granules can achieve the full process control of its industry chain from field to workshop and standardize the management of the origin of medicinal materials,processing of decoction pieces,processing technology,quality inspection,sales,and products distribution.TCM formula granules can partially replace Chinese patent medicines.Only available for around 800 common varieties of TCM,TCM formula granules cannot replace decoction pieces for many types which are not commonly used in clinical practice.A large number of formula granules are used in clinical and animal studies so that investigators no longer need to extract and control the quality of TCM decoction pieces.How to improve the production process,establish the quality standard,perfect the regulatory system,and expand the clinical application are the problems we need to solve as soon as possible for the better development of formula granules.

Property theory of Chinese materia medica: Clinical pharmacodynamics of traditional Chinese medicine

The property theory of Chinese materia medica is one of the foundations of traditional Chinese medicine.The property of Chinese materia medica(PCMM)is a multi-dimensional expression of the effect of Chinese materia medica(CMM),and it is related to the clinical prescription that fully reflects the clinical effect evaluation of CMM in a holistic,systematic,and scientific way.This paper discusses the source,development,and application of the PCMM by considering not only the five dimensions that constitute the PCMM but also the recognition of the human body and disease as given in traditional Chinese medicine.This paper aims to provide theoretical guidance for the rational use and development of CMM.

Translational Chinese Medicine: A Way for Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Translational Chinese medicine is one of the latest developing fields in traditional Chinese medicine. In this paper, we discuss the “3 w” namely, “what is”, “why to advance”, “how to carry out” and the significance of translational Chinese medicine. To overcome the innate drawbacks of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the basic theory of TCM had better be refreshed. The safety and efficacy of classic formulae and therapy experience of TCM should be evaluated based on strict quality control and reaffirmed with evidence based medicine. The significance of translational Chinese medicine is to transform Chinese medicine into a balanced, personalized medicine with sound safety, good efficacy and strict quality control.

Applicability of Zipfs Law in Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescriptions

Objective Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)prescriptions have been used to cure diseases in China for thousands of years,in which many TCM herbs have no definite common quantity.Some key TCM herbs are commonly used and thus deserve in-depth investigations based on a more acceptable classification method.This study analyzes whether TCM prescriptions follow Zipf's law and attempts to obtain the thresholds of key TCM herbs based on the application of Zipfs law;Methods A total of 84,418 TCM prescriptions were collected and standardized.We tested whether Zipf's law and Zipfs distribution fit the Chinese herb distributions.A linear fitting experiment was performed to verify the relationship between the frequency distribution and frequency of TCM herbs.Results The distribution of TCM herbs in TCM prescriptions conformed to Zipf's law.Accordingly,the thresholds were obtained for the key TCM herbs.Conclusion The distribution of TCM herbs in TCM prescriptions follows Zipfs law.

Determination of components in traditional Chinese medicines associated with promoting or inhibiting urinary stone formation

Objective:To measure oxalate,calcium,and sodium contents of traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs)that are commonly used to prevent and dissolve urinary stones to exclude the possibility that long-term use of such medicines promotes stone formation.The second objective was to measure citrate,potassium,and magnesium contents in the same medicines to provide possible clues about the mechanisms of prevention and dissolution of urinary stones by TCMs.Methods:Ten of the most commonly-used TCMs for preventing and dissolving urinary stones were chosen and subjected to ion chromatography(IC)to measure water-soluble and total oxalate and citrate contents.Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry(ICPAES)was used to measure calcium,potassium,magnesium,and sodium contents in a water extract and in digestion liquid.Results:Average contents of water-soluble oxalate,calcium,and sodium in the water extract were 41.92,84.32,and 22.82 mg/100 g,respectively,far below the normal dietary intake of adults in China.The average contents of citrate and magnesium in water extracts were 268.99 and 66.65 mg/100 g,respectively,below the recommended intake for adults.These ion contents are therefore insufficient to inhibit the formation of urinary stones.The average content of potassium in the water extract was 867.71 mg/100 g,which was relatively abundant,so taking the prescription used in this experimental protocol can increase the body’s potassium content to some extent.Conclusions:Long-term use of TCMs would not increase the risk of urinary stone formation.The potassium content in TCMs is high,which is one possible reason for the prevention of urinary stones by TCMs.

Meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal decoction combined with arthroscopy in the treatment of gouty arthritis

Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine decoction combined with arthroscopy in the treatment of gouty arthritis.Methods:A systematic search of CNKI,CBM,WanFang,VIP,PubMed,Cochrane Library,and EMBASE databases,and the receipt of the database until February 2021.Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)decoction combined with arthroscopy in the treatment of gouty arthritis.Two researchers independently read the title and abstract to screen and them read the full text to clarify whether it should be included.The method of Cochrane systematic review was used to evaluate the quality of the literature,and the RevMan 5.3 software was used to conduct meta-analysis of the data.Results:Nineteen RCTs were finally included.A total of 1383 patients,697 cases in the treatment group were treated with traditional Chinese medicine decoction combined with arthroscopy,and 686 cases in the control group were treated with arthroscopy alone or combined with western medicine.Meta-analysis results showed that the total clinical effective rate(P<0.00001)of the treatment group was better than that of the control group.Visual analogue scoring(VAS)score(P=0.0005,P<0.00001,P=0.03)and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)level(P<0.00001,P<0.00001,P<0.00001)reduction in each subgroup was better than that of the control group.The Lysholm score of the treatment group increased(P<0.00001,P<0.00001,P=0.19),while for blood uric acid(UA)level(P<0.00001,P=0.18,P<0.0001)and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels(P<0.0001,P<0.00001,P=0.23)two subgroups were better than the control group,but there was no significant difference in one subgroup.Conclusion:Traditional Chinese medicine decoction combined with arthroscopy is effective in treating gouty arthritis,which can relieve pain,improve joint function,and reduce body inflammation and uric acid levels.However,in the future,clinical studies with larger sample sizes,more reasonable designs,and higher quality are still needed to demonstrate this conclusion.

Herb-herb interaction in traditional Chinese medicine：a review of pharmacokinetics-based interaction in Herb-Pairs

"Herb-Pairs",also known as pair drugs,refers to a prescription consisted of two relatively fixed traditional Chinese medicine,is the most basic,most simple and most common form of medication prescription in traditional Chinese medicine compound compatibility.It is not a random combination of two herbs,nor is the simple accumulation of efficacy,but the simple and delicate experience of ancient Chinese medicine practitioners.As a bridge between single drug and prescriptions,it is the embodiment of the regular and dialectical connotation.Therefore,research on Herb-Pairs has always been the most basic and most important entry point for compound compatibility studies.However,the interaction between herbs and herbs is an effect with a downside as well as benefits.The beneficial herb-herb interaction in Herb-Pairs include mutual promotion,mutual enhancement,mutual restraint between two drugs and counteract toxicity of another drug.And the harmful herb-herb interaction in Herb-Pairs includes mutual inhibition and antagonism.Al of these interactions areby means of affecting the metabolism of components to play a therapeutic effect.Using the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic(PK-PD)binding model,the combination of drug metabolism and pharmacodynamics can further elucidate the influence on effect caused by drug concentration and metabolism,which can help elucidate the mechanism of drug action.Consequently,in this review,the herb-herb interactions in terms of pharmacokinetic were summarized to elucidate rule of TCM compatibility.

Meta-analysis of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Treating H Type Hypertension

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical emcacy of integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and we stern medicine, and the western medicine therapy for H type hypertension. Methods: The randomized contmlled trials were collected via searching the internet. The literatures were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the assignments were performed by two researchers. If there was disagreement between the two researchers, we would ask evidence based medicine expert for advice, to get an optimal result. The database included the ChianInfo (1978—2015), the Superstar database (1955—2017), the CBM(1985—2017), CNKI(1984—2017), PubMed(1966—2017). Accordingto Meta analysis, the RevMan 5.2 software was used to recover and analyze the literatures, and make the assessment of the integration of TCM and westem medicine in treating H Type Hypertension. Results: In the study, 12 trials were included. The total number of cases is 1139. The Meta analysis results showed that: Compared with western medicine the integration of TCM and western medicine would improve the antihypertensive efficacy [OR=0.39, 95%CI (0.25, 0.59), Z=4.38(P< 0.0001)],lower Hcy levels [WMD=-1.93, 95%CI (-2.27, 0.21), Z=4.38 (P< 0.0001)]. Conclusion: The combination therapy can effectively reduce Hcy levels, control blood pressure, better than Western medicine.