The long-circulating effect of pegylated nanoparticles revisited via simultaneous monitoring of both the drug payloads and nanocarriers

The long-circulating effect is revisited by simultaneous monitoring of the drug payloads and nanocarriers following intravenous administration of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded methoxy polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (mPEG-PCL) nanoparticles. Comparison of the kinetic profiles of both DOX and nanocarriers verifies the long-circulating effect, though of limited degree, as a result of pegylation. The nanocarrier profiles display fast clearance from the blood despite dense PEG decoration; DOX is cleared faster than the nanocarriers. The nanocarriers circulate longer than DOX in the blood, suggesting possible leakage of DOX from the nanocarriers. Hepatic accumulation is the highest among all organs and tissues investigated, which however is reversely proportionate to blood circulation time. Pegylation and reduction in particle size prove to extend circulation of drug nanocarriers in the blood with simultaneous decrease in uptake by various organs of the mononuclear phagocytic system. It is concluded that the long-circulating effect of mPEG-PCL nanoparticles is reconfirmed by monitoring of either DOX or the nanocarriers, but the faster clearance of DOX suggests possible leakage of a fraction of the payloads. The findings of this study are of potential translational significance in design of nanocarriers towards optimization of both therapeutic and toxic effects.

Modified cross-leg free skin flap for the construction of soft tissue defects of the lower leg / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of modified cross-leg free skin flaps in repairing soft tissue defects of the lower leg.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze clinical data of 8 patients with soft tissue defects of the lower leg admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from June 2018 to June 2020. There were 6 males and 2 females with the age range of 23-60 years［（39.6±5.7）years］. Area of defect was from 10.0 cm×4.5 cm to 21.0 cm×9.0 cm，with the size of flap from 12 cm×5 cm to 25 cm×10 cm. The free flaps were harvested to repair the wound of the affected leg and the blood vessels were anastomosed by cross-leg with the contralateral posterior tibial artery and vein at the first stage，including lateral circumflex femoral artery flap for 6 patients，superficial circumflex iliac artery flap for 1 and latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap for 1. At the same time，the pedicled posterior tibial artery perforator flap or random flap was cut to wrap the vascular pedicle. After operation，both legs were placed in a parallel and straight position. After pedicle cleavage at the second stage，the posterior tibial artery and distal artery were re-anastomosed，and the flap was sutured to its original position. Incidences of pressure sores and deep venous thrombosis of the lower leg and patients' acceptance of the position were documented during leg crossing at the first stage. The survival of the flap was observed after pedicle amputation at the second stage. The appearance，texture，function of the affected limb and influence on the healthy leg were observed at the last follow-up. Simultaneously，the lower extremity functional score（LEFS）was used to evaluate the overall function of the affected leg and the Kofoed score to evaluate ankle function.Results:All patients were followed up for 6-18 months［（8.3±1.8）months］. There reported none of pressure ulcer or deep venous thrombosis of the lower leg，without resistance to body position at stage I. All flaps survived after pedicle amputation at stage II. The shape，texture and function of the injured leg were good，with no impact on function of the healthy leg at the last follow-up. The LEFS score of the affected leg and the Kofoed score of the ankle were increased from（31.5±6.9）points and（51.0±10.5）points preoperatively to（51.7±9.8）points and（84.8±8.1）points at the last follow-up（ P<0.01）. Conclusion:For patients with soft tissue defects of the lower leg，the treatment with modified cross free flap has advantages of relatively comfortable position，no impact on function of the healthy leg，good appearance and texture of the flap and satisfactory recovery of the affected leg.

An update on oral drug delivery

Orally administered drug entities have to survive the harsh gastrointestinal environment, penetrate the enteric epithelia and circumvent hepatic metabolism before reaching the systemic circulation. Whereas the gastrointestinal stability can be well maintained by taking proper measures, hepatic metabolism presents as a formidable barrier to drugs suffering from first-pass metabolism. The pharmaceutical academia and industries are seeking alternative pathways for drug transport to circumvent problems associated with the portal pathway. Intestinal lymphatic transport is emerging as a promising pathway to this end. In this review, we intend to provide an updated overview on the rationale, strategies, factors and applications involved in intestinal lymphatic transport. There are mainly two pathways for peroral lymphatic transport-the chylomicron and the microfold cell pathways. The underlying mechanisms are being unraveled gradually and nowadays witness increasing research input and applications.

Oral delivery of proteins and peptides: Challenges, status quo and future perspectives

Proteins and peptides (PPs) have gradually become more attractive therapeutic molecules than small molecular drugs due to their high selectivity and efficacy, but fewer side effects. Owing to the poor stability and limited permeability through gastrointestinal (GI) tract and epithelia, the therapeutic PPs are usually administered by parenteral route. Given the big demand for oral administration in clinical use, a variety of researches focused on developing new technologies to overcome GI barriers of PPs, such as enteric coating, enzyme inhibitors, permeation enhancers, nanoparticles, as well as intestinal microdevices. Some new technologies have been developed under clinical trials and even on the market. This review summarizes the history, the physiological barriers and the overcoming approaches, current clinical and preclinical technologies, and future prospects of oral delivery of PPs.

Gastrointestinal lipolysis and trans-epithelial transport of SMEDDS

Self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDSs) have recently returned to the limelight of academia and industry due to their enormous potential in oral delivery of biomacromolecules. However, information on gastrointestinal lipolysis and trans-epithelial transport of SMEDDS is rare. Aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) fluorescent probes are utilized to visualize the

The experience of free perforators flap in the treatment of patients with Ⅳ degree ischia-sacral ulcer / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the design of free perforator flap, and the efficacy of utilizing perforator flaps for Ⅳ degree Ischia-sacral ulcer treatment.@*Methods@#From January 2010 to October 2016, 18 patients with Ⅳ degree ischia-sacral ulcer were treated. The surface area of the sacral tail ranged from 4 cm×5 cm to 8 cm ×12 cm.Doppler sonography was used to detect potential perforator.All defects were repaired with free perforator flaps, designed based on the size and shape of the wound. The flap size ranged from 6 cm×11 cm to 9 cm×15 cm.@*Results@#One perforator flap went dehiscence after surgery, repaired by V-Y flap. All the rest of perforator flaps survived well, after 3-24 months follow-up. Flap texture and appearance was good, no ulcer reoccurred.@*Conclusions@#The free perforator flap is a simple technique.It does not need to tracethe trunk of vessels, and it does not cause major morbidities to the buttocks. Therefore, it is one of the ideal ways to repair Ⅳ degree Ischia-sacral ulcer.

Adapting liposomes for oral drug delivery

Liposomes mimic natural cell membranes and have long been investigated as drug carriers due to excellent entrapment capacity, biocompatibility and safety. Despite the success of parenteral liposomes, oral delivery of liposomes is impeded by various barriers such as instability in the gastrointestinal tract, difficulties in crossing biomembranes, and mass production problems. By modulating the compositions of the lipid bilayers and adding polymers or ligands, both the stability and permeability of liposomes can be greatly improved for oral drug delivery. This review provides an overview of the challenges and current approaches toward the oral delivery of liposomes.

Development of carrier-free nanocrystals of poorly water-soluble drugs by exploring metastable zone of nucleation

There has been increasing interest in research and development of nanocrystals for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs that can be directly produced from solution. Compared with traditional carrier-based or encapsulation designs, drug nanocrystals circumvent possible side-effects due to carrier polymers and poor stability issues associated with encapsulation. The production of carrier-free nanocrystals requires careful control of nucleation and thus a thorough understanding of the relevant solution's metastable zone. A solution may stay supersaturated without forming any nuclei and become metastable. The maximal degree of supersaturation is known as the metastable zone width. When nucleation is triggered directly from the metastable zone, it helps to produce homogeneous nuclei leading to uniform nanocrystals. Herein, we report a study in which the solubility and metastable limit of paclitaxel (PTX) in ethanol aqueous solution were measured at 40 °C. A wide range of metastable compositions were studied to prepare carrier-free PTX nanocrystals with particle size smaller than 250 nm and PDI less than 0.25. Compared with the raw material, dissolution rate of PTX nanocrystals was significantly increased. The study enables production of high-quality drug nanocrystals for treating patients.

The Clinical application of recontruction of sideburns aesthetic subunit with local flaps / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical application and effect of sideburns aesthetic reconstruction with local flaps.@*Methods@#Between June 2012 and June 2017, there were 12 cases of patients with Benign tumor which is in the sideburn , including 7 Male patients, 5 female patients, thier ages are from 37 to 68 years old.The tumor size ranged from 0.5 cm×1.0 cm to 1.5 cm×2.5 cm, and the defects, size ranged from 1.0 cm× 1.2 cm to 1.5 cm× 3.0 cm. Single leaf flaps, double leaves flaps or local flaps which are on the ipsilateral sideburn or in the hairy area behind the ear are designed for sideburns reconstruction according to the size and shape of the defect, The flaps size ranged from 1.5 cm× 2.5 cm to 1.8 cm× 3.5 cm.@*Results@#All flaps with 12 cases of patients survived completely with no flap blood supply obstacles, and the incision healed well, all patients were followed up for 6-24 months with no recurrence of the tumor , and the incision scars are hidden in the sideburns, And the sideburn showed satisfactory effect of aesthetic reconstruction with good symmetric cosmetic effect.@*Conclusions@#The local flaps have less injury in the surgery area , simple surgical approach, hidden incision scars, reliable blood supply and high survival rate, which do not affect the sideburns symmetry.Aesthetic result can be achieved by local flaps in the reconstruction of defect after resection of benign tumor at sideburn.

Use propeller perforator flap to repair the skin malignancies wound on the back of the shoulder / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To discuss the therapeutic effect of free perforator flap of the humeral back and the healing of the wound after the removal of the malignant tumor.Methods From January,2012 to June,2016,12 cases were treated as soft tissue tumors on shoulder,including 8 cases of skin juga fibrosarcoma,3 cases of basal cell carcinoma,squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in 1 case.Preoperative using doppler ultrasound probe design perforator flap to expand resection,intraoperative cut edge basal tag frozen pathological examination without taking skin flap after the tumor invasion,according to the wound and wear the appropriate adjustment design of perforator flap.Followed-up to observe recurrence,flaps or ulcers,and the texture of the flap and the feel of the flap.All patients were followed-up regularly.Results All 12 patients were followed-up for 6-48 months.The flaps were all alive.The tumor did not relapse,and the flap was not swollen.The texture was consistent with the surrounding tissue.There was no ulceration of the flap.No obvious depression deformity.The outlook of flaps was satisfied,but the feeling was not.The doror sites were closed directly.Conclusion Adjacent using humeral back free perforators flap to repair the defect after tumor resection on shoulder is an easy operation.It is one of the ideal flaps to repair a malignant tumor on the back of the shoulder.

Biomimetic thiamine- and niacin-decorated liposomes for enhanced oral delivery of insulin

Biomimetic nanocarriers are emerging as efficient vehicles to facilitate dietary absorption of biomacromolecules. In this study, two vitamins, thiamine and niacin, are employed to decorate liposomes loaded with insulin, thus facilitating oral absorption vitamin ligand-receptor interactions. Both vitamins are conjugated with stearamine, which works to anchor the ligands to the surface of liposomes. Liposomes prepared under optimum conditions have a mean particle size of 125-150 nm and an insulin entrapment efficiency of approximately 30%-36%. Encapsulation into liposomes helps to stabilize insulin due to improved resistance against enzymatic disruption, with 60% and 80% of the insulin left after 4 h when incubated in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, respectively, whereas non-encapsulated insulin is broken down completely at 0.5 h. Preservation of insulin bioactivity against preparative stresses is validated by intra-peritoneal injection of insulin after release from various liposomes using the surfactant Triton X-100. In a diabetic rat model chemically induced by streptozotocin, both thiamine- and niacin-decorated liposomes showed a comparable and sustained mild hypoglycemic effect. The superiority of decorated liposomes over conventional liposomes highlights the contribution of vitamin ligands. It is concluded that decoration of liposomes with thiamine or niacin facilitates interactions with gastrointestinal vitamin receptors and thereby facilitates oral absorption of insulin-loaded liposomes.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of methoxy polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone nanoparticles loading a water-quenching fluorescent probe / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To prepare methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG)-polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles loading a water-quenching fluorescent probe and to evaluate its in vitro characteristics and stability.Methods PCL nanoparticles and mPEG-PCL nanoparticles with different mPEG chain lengths (mPEG5k,mPEG2k) loading the waterquenching fluorescent probe P2 were prepared by an emulsification/solvent evaporation method using PCL and mPEG-PCL as materials.In vitro characteristics such as morphology,particle size and distribution were evaluated.The P2 probe displayed fluorescent signals when encapsulated in the matrix of the nanoparticles,but quenched immediately when released into water.Based on this properties of P2 probe,the stability of various nanoparticles in different aqueous media was investigated.Results The prepared mPEG-PCL nanoparticles showed a particle size of about 200 nm,narrow size distribution,polydispersity index below 0.06 and near neutral surface potentials with spherical morphology and smooth surfaces.In buffers of different pHs and simulated bio-relevant media,all nanoparticles showed very good stability without significant change in particle size,polydispersity index and fluorescence intensity.Conclusion mPEG-PCL nanoparticles have promising in vitro characteristics and robust stability.It is fast and convenient to monitor the stability of nanoparticles by using the water-quenching probe.

Recontruction of facial aesthetic subunit with kite flap after resection of benign tumor at supraorbital ridge / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the recontruction of facial aesthetic subunit with kite flap after resection of benign tumor at supraorbital ridge.@*Methods@#From June 2012 to September 2015, 12 cases(8 male and 4 female, aged 34-68 years) with benign tumor at supraorbital ridge underwent tumor resection, following by reconstruction with kite flap. The tumor size ranged from 0.3 cm×1.0 cm to 0.5 cm× 1.0 cm, and the defects size ranged from 0.5 cm× 1.2 cm to 0.8 cm×1.2 cm. The kite flaps were 0.6 cm×1.2 cm to 1.0 cm×1.5 cm.@*Results@#All the 12 flaps survived completely with primary healing and no complication. The scar was inconspicious, which was hidden into brows. The brows showed good symmetric cosmetic effect.@*Conclusions@#The kite flap has reliable blood supply and survival rate, which does not affect the brows symmetry. Aesthetic result can be achieved by Kite flap in the reconstruction of defect after resection of benign tumor at supraorbital ridge.

Repair of the preauricular defects by the superficial temporal artery frontal branch flap and the retrograde retroauricular artery flap / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of the superficial temporal artery frontal branch flap combine with the retrograde retroauricular artery flap in repairing the preauricular defects.@*Methods@#The superficial temporal artery frontal branch flap with hair is designed for sideburns reconstruction, and the hairless retrograde retroauricular artery flap for repair the hairless area which is between the tragus and the temples. The donor sites were closed directly.@*Results@#From September 2012 to September 2015, 9 cases were treated. All flaps survived completely. Surgical incisions and wounds at donor sites and recipient sites healed primarily. All cases were followed up for 6-18 months (10 months on average) and cosmetic results were satisfactory without visible scar.@*Conclusions@#The method of the superficial temporal artery frontal branch flap combined with the retrograde retroauricular artery flap for the repair of preauricular a large skin defect is simple with less and inconspicious auxiliary incision. The sidebums and hairless area can be simultaneously reconstructed with satisfactory appearance.

The optimization of propeller flap with low peroneal artery perforator for defects at ankle and heel / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the therapeutic effect of propeller flap with low peroneal artery perforator for defects at ankle and heel.@*Methods@#From January 2009 to March 2016, 28 cases with skin defects at ankle and heel were treated with propeller flap pedicled by low peroneal artery perforator, including 15 cases of car accidents, 8 cases of pressure injury, 3 cases of wring injury and 2 cases of electricity shock injury. Defects size ranged from 3 cm×3 cm to 4 cm×6 cm. The fibular was divided into 9 segments from head to external ankle. Doppler ultrasound was used to locate the low peroneal artery perforator from the lower 6-9 segments. The flap pivot point was at perforator point at skin surface, with the peroneal artery as flap axis. The length of big blade was the distance from rotate point to distal end of defects. The flap width was half of the length. The ratio of big blade length to width should not exceed 2∶1. The flaps size was from 3 cm×5 cm to 4 cm×10 cm, based on the defect size. The defects at donor site could be closed with small blade directly.@*Results@#Partial necrosis happened in 1 case due to veneous crisis, which healed after dressing. All the other 27 flaps survived completely. During the follow-up period, the flaps had good match in color and thickness. No secondary operation was needed.@*Conclusions@#The optimization of propeller flap with low peroneal artery perforator is an idealmethod for defects at ankle and heel, which can avoid the necrosis at distal end of flap.

Free lobulated lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator flap for foot and ankle defect at non-weight bearing area / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of free lobulated lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator flap for foot and ankle defect at non-weight bearing area.@*Methods@#From January 2008 to June 2016, 28 cases with foot and ankle skin and soft tissue defects at non-weight bearing area were treated, including 16 cases with traffic accident, 8 cases with machine injury, and 4 cases with falling injury. There were 10 cases with Achilles tendon exposure, 16 cases with dorsalis pedis tendons exposure and 12 cases with bone exposure. The defect size ranged from 10 cm×8 cm to 16 cm×13 cm. Doppler ultrasound detector was used to select two perforators of lateral femoral circumflex artery. The lobulated perforator flap was designed and harvested as one flap. After clip test was performed to make sure the blood supply of flap, the flap was segmented and repositioned to cover the wound. The width of lobulated flaps was less than 8cm, in order to close the defect at donor sites directly. Postoperative rountine anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, anticonvulsive treatment and function exercise were adopted. The patients were followed up for 6-28 months.@*Results@#The flap size ranged from 9.0 cm×4.5 cm to 17.0 cm×7.0 cm. Partial necrosis happened at the end of one flap lobe due to pressure, which healed after dressing. All the other 27 flaps survived completely with satisfactory cosmetic and functional result. The wounds at donor sites all healed primarily.@*Conclusions@#Free lobulated lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator flap is one of the ideal flaps with high survival rate and low complication for foot and ankle defect at non-weight bearing area.

Double blood supply of ulnar-sided thumb ladder progressive flap for repair of grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ thumb oblique wound / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical application and effecacy of ulnar-sided thumb ladder progressive flap in repairing grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ thumb oblique wound.Methods Between October 2009 and October 2013,ulnar-sided thumb ladder progressive flap with double blood supply was transferred to cover the grade Ⅰ and Ⅱ thumb oblique wound in 24 patients (12 males and 12 females).Mean age was 30 years (range,10-40 years).Mechanism of injury was machine twist injury in 8 patients,machine cutting injury in 6,sharp weapon injury in 6 and injury by a heavy object in 4.Twelve patients had grade Ⅰ defect and twelve patients grade Ⅱ defect.Flap ranged in size from 1.0 cm ×3.0 cm to 1.5 cm × 3.5 cm.Flap advancement distance was 1.5-2.5 cm.Donor area was sutured directly.Wound healing and color,swelling and temperature of the flap were observed after operation.Finger function was assessed with the upper limb function evaluation standard set up by hand surgery branch of Chinese Medical Association.Results Postoperatively,the flap survived and the fingertip had protective sensation.The wound healed by first intention.Two patients developed distal interphalangeal joint stiffness,and restored to normal after rehabilitation.All patients were followed up for 1-36 months (mean,20 months).Finger color,temperature,texture and pulp were restored.Finger function recovered satisfactorily,with excellent results in 22 patients and good results in 2 patients.Conclusion The procedure is easy and reliable,has affirmative effect and achieves maximal preservation of finger length and function.

Inherent artery dorsal perforator flaps of thumb radial palmar for repair of thumb ipsilateral degree Ⅰ and Ⅱ oblique defect of the fingertip / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of inherent artery dorsal perforator flaps of thumb radial palmar for coverage of ipsilateral thumb degree Ⅰ and Ⅱ oblique defect of the fingertip.Methods The study included 6 males and 6 females,aged 10-40 years (mean 30 years),with thumb fingertip Ⅰ and Ⅱ degree defect treated between October 2009 and October 2013.Injury resulted from machinery cutting injury in 4 patients,machinery twist injury in 3,cutting by sharp weapons in 3,and crush injury in 2.There were 6 patients with Ⅰ degree defect and 6 patients with Ⅱ degree defect.Defects were all oblique involving more in the radial side rather than in the ulnar side and reconstructed with thumb radial palmar artery perforator flaps.Flap ranged in size from 1 cm × 2 cm to 1.5 cm × 2.5 cm.Donor site was covered with skin grafts.Observation indexes were wound healing condition,flap color,flap swelling degree,and flap temperature.Finger function was measured with upper extremity scoring system formulated by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association.Results All flaps survived and achieved good protective sensation.Wound healed primarily.Color,temperature and texture of the flap returned to almost normal.Moderate swelling of the flaps was detected and subsided around one week.All patients were followed up for 1-36 months (mean 20 months).At the final follow-up,two-point discrimination was 9-11 mm (mean 10 mm).Two patients developed distal interphalangeal joint stiffness and recovered after rehabilitation exercise.Finger function was rated as excellent in 10 cases and good in 2.Conclusion Inherent artery dorsal perforator flap of thumb radial palmar has affirmative effect and allows maximum preservation of finger length and function when applied to repair ipsilateral thumb degree Ⅰ and Ⅱ oblique defect of the fingertip.

Repair of skin and soft tissue defects on the wrist with reverse bi-pedicle posterior interosseous artery perforator flap / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the curative effect of reverse bi-pedicle posterior interosseous artery perforator flap in repairing skin and soft tissue defects on the wrist.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seven patients with soft tissue defects on the wrist, including simple skin and soft tissue defects in 4 cases and skin and soft tissue defects combined with radial tendon injury in 3 cases, were hospitalized from December 2010 to March 2012. The area of skin defect on the volar side of the wrist ranged from 4.8 cm x 4.0 cm to 6.2 cm x 4.5 cm, while that on the dorsal side ranged from 3.5 cm x 3.2 cm to 6. 5 cm x 5.4 cm. These wounds were respectively caused by traffic injury (3 cases), reamer injury (2 cases), burn (1 case), and tumor resection (1 case). Reverse bi-pedicle posterior interosseous artery perforator flaps were used to repair these defects, with area of one pedicle ranging from 2.5 cm x 2.0 cm to 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm and the area of the other pedicle ranging from 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm to 4.0 cm x 3.0 cm. The donor sites were closed by suturing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All flaps survived completely. Patients were followed up for 6 to 36 months. The color, texture, and appearance of all flaps were satisfactory. At last follow-up, distances of two-point discrimination of flaps ranged from 9 to 13 mm. The dorsal extension and palmar flexion functions of wrist were satisfactory. The results of function evaluation of 7 wrists were excellent in 6 cases and good in 1 case according to the tentative standards for the evaluation of upper extremity function of Society of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association. A linear scar was formed at the donor site.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The reverse bi-pedicle posterior interosseous artery perforator flap, with advantages of flexible design, easy to achieve, less injury to donor site, and reliable blood supply, etc., is another choice for repairing skin and soft tissue defects over the wrist.</p>

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Components in Shuxiong Tablet and Its Possible Formulary Rationality / 中草药·英文版

Objective To determine whether the anti-inflammatory properties of Shuxiong Tablet(SXT)and the effective components group of SXT(ECGS)are equivalent and to assess the formulary rationality.Methods ECGS consisted of Panax notoginsen saponion(PNS),hydroxysafflor yellow A,and ferulic acid plus volatile oil of Ligusticum chuanxiong,which was based on the active ingredients and their ratios in SXT.We compared the anti-inflammatory actions of ECGS and SXT using the xylene-induced edema model and the carrageenan-induced edema model,as well as the analgesic activity of them using the acetic acid-induced writhing model.Moreover,cultured macrophages were incubated with media containing serum isolated from SXT-,ECGS-,or every component of ECGS-treated rats,to compare the depress effects on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated NO production and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)expression.Results ECGS and SXT had equivalent anti-inflammatory actions and analgesic effects at an equipotent dosage in a dose-dependent manner.The drug-containing media could inhibit the LPS-stimulated NO production and iNOS expression in cultured macrophages.A 2 × 2 × 2 ANOVA revealed that three effective components could produce synergistic effect on the inhibition of NO production,and PNS was the capital component.Conclusion ECGS and SXT display an equivalent anti-inflammatory effect,and the formula follows traditional Chinese medicine compatibility principle,which shows obvious formulary rationality.