Molecular Evidence of the Bio-activities of Traditional Home Medicine Ingredients.

For many centuries, traditional medicine has played an essential role in health care. The treatment of many illnesses, including cancer, has greatly benefited from using herbal remedies derived from traditional medicine. The bioactive compounds, such as curcumin, silibinin, berberine, ginseng, and others present in traditional medicine have shown a wide range of properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant as well as potent anti-cancer properties both in laboratory studies and animal experiments (in vitro and in vivo). In this review, we mainly emphasized the anticancer role of bioactive compounds present in traditional medicine, such as curcumin, cardamonin, piperine, berberine, ginseng, silibinin, epigallocatechin gallate, and asafoetida. We also discussed molecular evidence of these compounds in chemoprevention and anticancer effects. These compounds have the potential to interfere with cancer growth, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis and induce apoptosis by targeting different pathways and the cell cycle. This review article also focuses on how these compounds can help overcome drug resistance and enhance the availability of other clinically approved drugs. The usage of these compounds synergistically with other forms of treatment is also of great fascination to new and upcoming research. Finally, we have discussed the bioavailability of these compounds and strategies employed to improve them so their full potential can be exploited.

Neolignans in Magnolia officinalis as natural anti-Alzheimer's disease agents: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Magnolia officinalis, a traditional herbal medicine widely used in clinical practice, exerts antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging activities. Neolignans are the main active ingredients of M. officinalis and exert a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the published data on the therapeutic effect and mechanism of neolignans on AD in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus were systematically reviewed (up to March 1, 2024) for pre-clinical studies. RESULTS: M. officinalis-derived neolignans (honokiol, magnolol, 4-O-methylhonokiol, and obovatol) alleviated behavioral abnormalities, including learning and cognitive impairments, in AD animal models. Mechanistically, neolignans inhibited Aß generation or aggregation, neuroinflammation, and acetylcholinesterase activity; promoted microglial phagocytosis and anti-oxidative stress; alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism, as well as anti-cholinergic deficiency; and regulated intestinal flora. Furthermore, neolignans may achieve neuroprotection by regulating different molecular pathways, including the NF-κB, ERK, AMPK/mTOR/ULK1, and cAMP/PKA/CREB pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Neolignans exert anti-AD effects through multiple mechanisms and pathways. However, the exact targets, pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical efficacy in patients with AD need further investigation in multi-center clinical case-control studies.

The survival and cost-effectiveness analysis of adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan.

Introduction: Cancer, particularly lung cancer, is a significant global healthcare challenge. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) constitutes 85% of cases. Patients often seek alternative therapies like Chinese medicine alongside Western treatments. This study investigates the survival outcomes and cost-effectiveness of adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy for NSCLC patients in Taiwan. Methods: We utilized the National Health Insurance Research Database in a retrospective cohort study from 2000 to 2018, focusing on NSCLC patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2013. After propensity score matching 1:5 ratio, then compared patients with and without adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy. Survival outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results: The study involved 43,122 NSCLC patients with 5.76% receiving adjunctive Chinese medicine. There is no significant associated between the risk of death and adjuvant Chinese medicine therapy until 181-365 days of adjuvant treatment could reduce the risk of death (HR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.98). Cost-effectiveness analysis showed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 880,908 NT$/year. Conclusion: Adjunctive Chinese medicine therapy, particularly when administered for 181-365 days, significantly reduced the mortality risk among stage IV NSCLC patients. The cost-effectiveness aligns with willingness-to-pay thresholds, indicating economic benefit.

The effect of Phytopaj ) Ferula assa-foetida L. oleo gum resin and tragacanth( in patients with COVID-19: A randomized clinical trial.

Objective: Exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a positive effect on respiratory diseases. Oleo-gum of Ferula assa-foetida contains this compound. This study assessed the effects of Ferula assa-foetida L. oleo gum resin and tragacanth (Phytopaj) on patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial (RCT) phase 2 was conducted in Mashhad on hospitalized COVID-19 patients. In this RCT, 122 patients were randomly assigned to either receive a 14-day oral phytopaj plus ordinary treatment or ordinary treatment only. Changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte count (LC) and blood oxygen saturation (PO2) were the endpoints. Results: Mean±SD of PO2 in Phytopaj comparison ordinary treatment before intervention was 91.86±4.62 and 91.41±9.18, after the intervention it was 93.22±4.26 and 91.91±5.92 mmHg; before intervention, mean±SD of peripheral blood lymphocyte count was 1015.90±500.55, and 1104.28±543.61, and after intervention, it was 1652.27±921.38 and 1326.12±719.28/µL respectively. Conclusion: Phyopaj is most useful in moderate stages of Covid19, and it is not recommended for elderly patients and patients with comorbidity until more insight is gained.

Prevalence and Predictors for use of Herbal medicine in the treatment of Infertility in a secondary Health facility in South-South Nigeria.

Background: Infertility is one of the major medical problems seen in the Gynaecology clinic. Herbal medicine (HM) has become one of the treatment options used to circumvent infertility problems. This study aims to explore the prevalence and predictors for HM use in the management of infertility in our region. Methodology: The method used was a cross-sectional study of 117 women attending the infertility clinic at Central Hospital Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. The interviewer administered a questionnaire comprised of socio-demographic characteristics, infertility-related aspects, and information on herbal medicine usage. The main outcome measure was the Prevalence of HM use for infertility treatment and the possible predictors. Analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results: The mean age of participants was 34.1 with a standard deviation of 6.66 years. The minimum age of participants was 23 years while the maximum age was 48 years. The prevalence of HM use was 79.9%. The factors that were significantly associated with the use of HM were marital status (p 0.033), history of primary infertility (0.026) and having used HM for the management of other ailments (0.000). Women who were married and having fertility issues were more likely to seek alternative methods like the use of HM. Conclusion: The prevalence of use of HM among participants attending the fertility clinic was high at 79.9%. We recommend that health professionals should enquire about the use of HM as this may help in educating the patients about the health risks of using HM. There is a need to explore the potential benefits and risks of HM use.

Research progress on Alpinia oxyphylla in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) constitutes a major microvascular complication of diabetes and is a primary cause of mortality in diabetic individuals. With the global rise in diabetes, DN has become an urgent health issue. Currently, there is no definitive cure for DN. Alpinia oxyphylla, a Chinese herbal medicine traditionally used, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects and is frequently used in the prevention and management of DN. This paper offers an extensive review of the biological mechanisms by which A. oxyphylla delivers therapeutic advantages in DN management. These mechanisms include activating podocyte autophagy, regulating non-coding RNA, modulating gut microbiota, alleviating lipotoxicity, counteracting oxidative stress, and diminishing inflammatory responses, underscoring the therapeutic potential of A. oxyphylla in DN treatment.

Cardiovascular protection of YiyiFuzi powder and the potential mechanisms through modulating mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactions.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death worldwide and represent a major public health challenge. YiyiFuzi Powder (YYFZ), composed of Coicis semen and Fuzi, is a classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription from the Synopsis of Golden Chamber dating back to the Han Dynasty. Historically, YYFZ has been used to treat various CVD, rooted in Chinese therapeutic principles. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that YYFZ may exhibit direct or indirect effects on mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) interactions. This review, focusing on the cardiovascular protective effects of Coicis semen and Fuzi, summarizes the potential mechanisms by which YYFZ acts on mitochondria and the ER. The underlying mechanisms are associated with regulating cardiovascular risk factors (such as blood lipids and glucose), impacting mitochondrial structure and function, modulating ER stress, inhibiting oxidative stress, suppressing inflammatory responses, regulating cellular apoptosis, and maintaining calcium ion balance. The involved pathways include, but were not limited to, upregulating the IGF-1/PI3K/AKT, cAMP/PKA, eNOS/NO/cGMP/SIRT1, SIRT1/PGC-1α, Klotho/SIRT1, OXPHOS/ATP, PPARα/PGC-1α/SIRT3, AMPK/JNK, PTEN/PI3K/AKT, ß2-AR/PI3K/AKT, and modified Q cycle signaling pathways. Meanwhile, the MCU, NF-κB, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways were downregulated. The PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP, PERK/SREBP-1c/FAS, IRE1, PINK1-dependent mitophagy, and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways were bidirectionally regulated. High-quality experimental studies are needed to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of YYFZ in CVD treatment.

Phytosomes Nanocarrier with Insight Towards the Future in Cancer Therapy: A Mini-Review.

Cancer is classified as having one of the highest mortality rates on a global scale, presenting a significant challenge in its treatment, especially when conventional chemotherapy methodologies are used. Conversely, there is a growing interest in utilizing herbal medicine as an alternative to the treatment of cancer because of its lack of adverse effects compared to contemporary medical strategies. The incorporation of nanotechnology into therapy has attracted attention owing to its efficacy in the treatment of various illnesses. Phytosomes play a crucial role in the treatment of cancer by enhancing the characteristics of drugs and nanostructures within carriers to enable targeted drug delivery. The establishment of chemical bonds between phospholipid molecules and bioactive compounds from plants ensures the stability of phytosomes, thus establishing them as an innovative mechanism for drug delivery systems that transport plant-derived constituents to specific areas. This mini-overview discusses the potential phytosome complexes, uses, drawbacks, patents, challenges, and prospects of phytosomes in cancer treatment. Thus, numerous phytosomal formulations incorporating plant-derived components have exhibited promising anticancer properties, with several formulations currently undergoing clinical trials.

[What is the potential of ChatGPT for qualified patient information? : Attempt of a structured analysis on the basis of a survey regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in rheumatology]. / Welches Potential hat ChatGPT 3.5 für eine qualifizierte Patienteninformation? : Versuch einer systematischen Analyse anhand einer Befragung zu komplementärmedizinischen Verfahren in der Rheumatologie.

INTRODUCTION: The chatbot ChatGPT represents a milestone in the interaction between humans and large databases that are accessible via the internet. It facilitates the answering of complex questions by enabling a communication in everyday language. Therefore, it is a potential source of information for those who are affected by rheumatic diseases. The aim of our investigation was to find out whether ChatGPT (version 3.5) is capable of giving qualified answers regarding the application of specific methods of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in three rheumatic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). In addition, it was investigated how the answers of the chatbot were influenced by the wording of the question. METHODS: The questioning of ChatGPT was performed in three parts. Part A consisted of an open question regarding the best way of treatment of the respective disease. In part B, the questions were directed towards possible indications for the application of CAM in general in one of the three disorders. In part C, the chatbot was asked for specific recommendations regarding one of three CAM methods: homeopathy, ayurvedic medicine and herbal medicine. Questions in parts B and C were expressed in two modifications: firstly, it was asked whether the specific CAM was applicable at all in certain rheumatic diseases. The second question asked which procedure of the respective CAM method worked best in the specific disease. The validity of the answers was checked by using the ChatGPT reliability score, a Likert scale ranging from 1 (lowest validity) to 7 (highest validity). RESULTS: The answers to the open questions of part A had the highest validity. In parts B and C, ChatGPT suggested a variety of CAM applications that lacked scientific evidence. The validity of the answers depended on the wording of the questions. If the question suggested the inclination to apply a certain CAM, the answers often lacked the information of missing evidence and were graded with lower score values. CONCLUSION: The answers of ChatGPT (version 3.5) regarding the applicability of CAM in selected rheumatic diseases are not convincingly based on scientific evidence. In addition, the wording of the questions affects the validity of the information. Currently, an uncritical application of ChatGPT as an instrument for patient information cannot be recommended.

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 reduce 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, alkaloids, 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 achieving 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.

Evaluation of clinical characters and use of alternative medicines in the management of headache and predictors of treatment satisfaction among Saudi adults - A community-based study in Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective: The use of alternative medicine (AM) is rising globally. Hence this study aimed to assess the Use of and Satisfaction with Alternative Medicine in the management of headache and Related Factors in Individuals, living in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2023 using an online questionnaire in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. The data was collected using a series, of prevalidated questionnaires aimed to assess the utilization and satisfaction of AM for the headache. Convenience sampling was applied for data collection. Results: A response rate of 93.1 % (n = 550) was obtained. Among the respondents, 78.7 % reported having headaches, while 69.2 % had a history of using AMs for headaches. However, among the users of AMs, 65.9 % of them were satisfied with the results of AMs, of those who were satisfied, 33.7 % said that AMs helped to prevent headache attacks, and 53.8 % reported that AMs use reduced pain intensity. The regression results demonstrated that there was a significant relationship between the satisfaction of AM for the headache and age (p < 0.004), and Active in sports (p < 0.019) and severity of the headache pain (p < 0.081). Conclusion: The findings reported that relatively high prevalence of AMs used to manage headaches, while 65.9% of the users were satisfied with the outcomes, the satisfaction was found to have a significant relationship with age, activity in sports and severity of pain. To avoid negative effects of AM, it is recommended to use under the qualified healthcare professionals.

Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives of miRNA-PTEN signaling axis in cancer therapy resistance.

Cancer, being one of the most lethal illnesses, presents an escalating clinical dilemma on a global scale. Despite significant efforts and advancements in cancer treatment over recent decades, the persistent challenge of resistance to traditional chemotherapeutic agents and/or emerging targeted drugs remains a prominent issue in the field of cancer therapies. Among the frequently inactivated tumor suppressor genes in cancer, phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) stands out, and its decreased expression may contribute to the emergence of therapeutic resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), characterized by their short length of 22 nucleotides, exert regulatory control over target mRNA expression by binding to complementary sequences. Recent findings indicate that microRNAs play varied regulatory roles, encompassing promotion, suppression, and dual functions on PTEN, and their aberration is implicated in heightened resistance to anticancer therapies. Significantly, recent research has revealed that competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) play a pivotal role in influencing PTEN expression, and the regulatory network involving circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-PTEN is intricately linked to resistance in various cancer types to anticancer therapies. Finally, our findings showcase that diverse approaches, such as herbal medicine, small molecule inhibitors, low-intensity ultrasound, and engineered exosomes, can effectively overcome drug resistance in cancer by modulating the miRNA-PTEN axis.

Herbal medicine in the Jewish renaissance rare medical handbook The Guide to the Tree of Life (Sejfer derech ejc ha-chajim).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The only known copy of Sejfer derech ejc ha-chajim, an anonymous old print, is stored in the Austrian National Library in Vienna. It was written in the Yiddish Ashkenazi language and printed in 1613. The author, a Jewish physician, resided or lived in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This rare book, although it was printed over 400 years ago, has not yet been systematically assessed in the ethnomedical context of those times. AIM OF THE STUDY: A quantitative assessment of the botanical drugs and kinds of healthy diets described in The Guide is presented to recognise the medicinal, diachronic, and botanical outlines of this peculiar rarum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate various recipes describing the use of medicinal plants of Jewish culture in the former Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the content of The Guide was analysed. All therapeutic uses of herbal medicines and nutritional recommendations for health were obtained by reviewing the Polish translation of the rare medical handbook. For each plant usage revealed in the text, we noted: Scientific, Common and Yiddish name of the taxon, Plant family, Part of the plant or substance used, Administration, Preparation, Primary pathology, Broad use, and Inferred pathology (ICD-11 and ICPC-3). RESULTS: Among the 161 recipes, 58 plant taxa and 361 use records were recorded. Additionally, 127 mixtures with 68 plant taxa and 183 use mixture records were noted. 22 diet recipes with 19 plant taxa were also found. These data constitute three separate analyses, according to the intention of the author of The Guide. Formulations using Apiaceae were recommended primarily for gastroenterology and gynecology, while those using Rosaceae for gastroenterology, urology, and neurology. For mixtures, Lamiaceae plants are also represented and used for gastroenterology, respiratory system treatment, and gynecology. CONCLUSION: The medicinal knowledge described in Sejfer derech ejc ha-chajim fills a gap in contemporary knowledge regarding phyto-medical writing of the Renaissance. The Guide has a form of home first aid kit, used both for medicinal purposes and on the daily menu. In response to current challenges in healthcare, there is a growing interest among researchers in ethnomedicinal sources for the discovery of novel therapeutic compounds. This includes the re-evaluation of formulations and therapeutic indications that have been recognised for centuries. The remedies analysed and detailed in The Guide can provide valuable insights for researchers focused on identifying biologically active therapeutic raw materials of plant origin, thus contributing to advances in modern healthcare.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Saline, Chlorhexidine, and Zataria Multiflora and Mentha Piperita Essential Oils in Root Canal Irrigation of Primary Molars.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of saline, 0.5% and 2% Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) essential oil, 0.5% and 2% Mentha piperita (M. piperita) essential oil, and 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as root canal irrigants for primary molar teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 64 primary molars were used in this in vitro study. The teeth were randomly assigned to six groups (N=10). The root canals were prepared up to file #35, and all teeth were sterilized before contamination with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis; ATCC 29212) suspension. After 48 hours of incubation, the root canals in each group were irrigated with the respective irrigants. Sterile paper points were then used to collect microbial samples from the root canals. A colony counter was used to count the number of colony-forming units (CFUs). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 (alpha=0.05). Results: The colony count was significantly different among the groups (P<0.001), and 2% M. piperita (P=0.009), 0.5% Z. multiflora (P=0.021), and 0.2% CHX (P=0.002) were significantly more effective than saline in elimination of E. faecalis. The ascending order of microbial count after irrigation was as follows: saline > 0.5% M. piperita > 0.2% CHX > 2% M. piperita > 0.5% Z. multiflora. Conclusion: The current study showed the optimal antibacterial activity of 0.5% Z. multiflora essential oil and 2% M. piperita essential oil against E. faecalis, and indicated their possible efficacy for use as an irrigant for root canal irrigation of primary molars.

Organizing Pneumonia With Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Induced by the Kampo Medicine Choreito.

Kampo medicine, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, is covered by the Japanese National Health Insurance and prescribed for various purposes. While relatively safe with few adverse effects, it may potentially cause severe adverse effects, such as lung injury. Herein, we describe the case of a 61-year-old Japanese woman with choreito-induced lung injury that manifested as organizing pneumonia (OP) with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). She was referred to our department due to multiple abnormal opacities detected on annual chest radiography. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple nodules in bilateral lungs. Bloody bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained from the left lingular lobe, appearing nearly normal, while a transbronchial lung biopsy from a subpleural nodule in the left lower lobe was pathologically consistent with OP. The drug lymphocyte stimulation test result was positive for choreito, which the patient had regularly consumed for 6 - 7 months to treat hematuria. Consequently, a diagnosis of choreito-induced OP and DAH was made. Owing to the discontinuation of choreito alone and without the introduction of systemic steroid therapy, the multiple nodules shrank and eventually disappeared on follow-up chest CT. Regardless of the type of crude drug used in Kampo medicine, clinicians must always be careful for potential lung injury, which may present as OP with DAH.

Efficacy of Shen Cao Gan Jiang Tang on Non-severe COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial.

Background In the face of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic amid shortages of medications and vaccines, a Vietnamese herbal formula known as Shen Cao Gan Jiang Tang (SCGJT) has been put into use for non-severe COVID-19 patients. This study aims to assess its efficacy and safety. Methods A multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 300 patients with non-severe COVID-19, randomly assigned into two groups: 150 receiving standard care (control group) and 150 receiving additional SCGJT for 10 days (SCGJT group). Time to resolution of symptoms, symptom severity, disease progression, time to discharge, the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) score, usage of Western drugs, time to viral clearance, and safety outcomes were continuously monitored. Results The SCGJT group exhibited faster symptom resolution (median: 9 vs. 13 days) and improved symptom severity, including cough, fatigue, hypogeusia, muscle aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat, compared to the control group. Although there was a lower rate of severe progression in the SCGJT group (0.7% vs. 4.7%), the difference was not statistically significant. The time to discharge was significantly shorter in the SCGJT group (median: 7 vs. 8 days). Changes in the NEWS2 score did not show significant differences between groups. SCGJT has been demonstrated to reduce the need for symptomatic relief medications and hasten SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance. No adverse events were reported, and routine tests showed no significant differences. Conclusions SCGJT is safe and has potential clinical efficacy in non-severe COVID-19 patients. However, data regarding preventing severe progression remains inconclusive. Further studies should be conducted in light of the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experimental Verification of Erchen Decoction Plus Huiyanzhuyu Decoction in the Treatment of Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Network Pharmacology.

BACKGROUND: The prescription of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) consists of multiple herbs that exhibit synergistic effects due to the presence of multiple components targeting various pathways. In clinical practice, the combination of Erchen decoction and Huiyanzhuyu decoction (EHD) has shown promising outcomes in treating patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). However, the underlying mechanism by which EHD exerts its therapeutic effects in LSCC remains unknown. METHODS: Online databases were utilized for the analysis and prediction of the active constituents, targets, and key pathways associated with EHD in the treatment of LSCC. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of common targets was constructed and visualized using Cytoscape 3.8.1 software. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to investigate the functional roles of core targets within the PPI network. Protein clustering was conducted utilizing the MCODE plug-in. The obtained results highlight the principal targets and pathways involved. Subsequently, clinical samples were collected to validate alterations in the levels of these main targets through Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Furthermore, both in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the therapeutic effects of EHD on healing LSCC and elucidate its underlying mechanism. Additionally, to ensure experimental reliability and reproducibility, quality control measures utilizing HPLC were implemented for EHD herbal medicine. RESULTS: The retrieval and analysis of databases in EHD medicine and LSCC disease yielded a total of 116 overlapping targets. The MCODE plug-in methods were utilized to acquire 8 distinct protein clusters through protein clustering. The findings indicated that both the first and second clusters exhibited a size greater than 6 scores, with key genes PI3K and ErbB occupying central positions, while the third and fourth clusters were associated with proteins in the PI3K, STAT3, and Foxo pathways. GO functional analysis reported that these targets had associations mainly with the pathway of p53 mediated DNA damage and negative regulation of cell cycle in terms of biological function; the death-induced signaling complex in terms of cell function; transcription factor binding and protein kinase activity in terms of molecular function. The KEGG enrichment analysis demonstrated that these targets were correlated with several signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt, FoxO, and ErbB2 signaling pathway. On one hand, we observed higher levels of key genes such as P-STAT3, P-PDK1, P-Akt, PI3K, and ErbB2 in LSCC tumor tissues compared to adjacent tissues. Conversely, FOXO3a expression was lower in LSCC tumor tissues. On the other hand, the key genes mentioned above were also highly expressed in both LSCC xenograft nude mice tumors and LSCC cell lines, while FOXO3a was underexpressed. In LSCC xenograft nude mice models, EHD treatment resulted in downregulation of P-STAT3, P-PDK1, PI3K, P-AKT, and ErbB2 protein levels but upregulated FOXO3a protein level. EHD also affected the levels of P-STAT3, P-PDK1, PI3K, P-AKT, FOXO3a, and ErbB2 proteins in vitro: it inhibited P-STAT3, P-AKT, and ErbB2, while promoting FOXO3a; however, it had no effect on PDK1 protein. In addition, HPLC identified twelve compounds accounting for more than 30% within EHD. The findings from this study can serve as valuable guidance for future experimental investigations. CONCLUSION: The possible mechanism of EHD medicine action on LSCC disease is speculated to be closely associated with the ErbB2/PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway.

Reasons and experience for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using traditional Chinese medicine: a CARE-TCM based mixed method study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used by patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, their reasons and experience in using TCM have received insufficient attention. Therefore, we conducted a mixed method study to gain insights into this issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on the basis of the China Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Registry of Patients with Traditional Chinese Medicine (CARE-TCM). Data were collected from Dongzhimen Hospital through a mixed method approach, including a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Patients with ALS who were using TCM when they were initially registered with CARE-TCM and who had been followed-up for over six months were recruited. The questionnaires' outcomes were statistically outlined, and the interview transcripts were thematically analysed to identify themes and sub-themes. RESULTS: Fifty-two and sixteen patients were included in the questionnaire and semi-structured interview groups, respectively. Patients used TCM with the hope of regulating their body holistically to improve nonmotor symptoms and quality of life (QOL). Those who recognised TCM as ineffective tended to discontinue it after a three-month trial period. Although quality was a major concern, herbal medicine (HM) was the most frequently used modality among all participants (n = 52), with the majority (n = 44, 84.6%) continuing to use it. Patients emphasised in-person consultations as a crucial part of TCM treatment. However, the disability caused by disease often made this interaction unattainable. CONCLUSION: Nonmotor symptoms and QOL hold substantial importance for patients with ALS using TCM. HM is a more suitable modality than other TCM treatment modalities, but patients are facing challenges in seeking HM treatment. It is necessary to promote the implementation of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, thus making TCM more accessible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04885374 (registered on May 13, 2021).

The extract of an herbal medicine Chebulae fructus inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing the Apelin/APJ system.

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been a highly common and pathological disease worldwide, while current therapeutic regimens have limitations. Chebulae Fructus, a common herbal medicine in Asia, has been documented to exert potential therapeutic effects on HCC in ancient medicine clinical practice. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its inhibitory effects on HCC requires further investigation. Methods: In this study, the anti-HCC effect of the aqueous extract of Chebulae Fructus (CFE) on human HCC and its underlying mechanism were evaluated. Assays including CCK8, EdU staining, crystal violet staining, cell clone formation, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell were used in vitro. The cell-derived xenograft (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were used in vivo. Transcriptomics analysis, qRT-PCR, ELISA, IHC staining, and Western blotting were employed to determine the mechanism of action of CFE. Results: The results demonstrate that CFE effectively suppressed the proliferation and activity of HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 HCC cells. CFE also induced apoptosis, and suppressed the migration and invasion abilities of these cells. Furthermore, CFE exhibited inhibitory effects on tumor growth in both H22 and PLC/PRF/5 mouse models, as well as in an HCC PDX model which is derived from patient tumor samples. Moreover, it was identified that CFE treatment specifically suppressed the Apelin/APJ system in HCC cells and tumor tissues. To investigate the role of the Apelin/APJ system in mediating the effects of CFE treatment, an APJ overexpressed cell model is established. Interestingly, it was found that the overexpression of APJ significantly diminished the inhibitory effects of CFE on HCC in vitro. Discussion: Collectively, this study provides compelling evidence that CFE exerts significant anti-HCC effects in cell and animal models. Moreover, our findings suggest that the Apelin/APJ system may play a vital role in the therapeutic effects of CFE against HCC.