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The quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the lifeline for TCM industry. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) has provided new means for the quality management of Chinese medicinal materials (CMM). In this paper, we take the quality marker (Q-marker) as a breakthrough point, focused on the research strategy from chemical markers to Q-markers, picked up the characteristics of the Q-markers from the near infrared spectrum (NIRS), and explored the feasibility of establishing the NIRS assay based on Q-marker. After integrated the biological activity detection and artificial neural network algorithm, we try to establish the relationship between the spectral properties of NIRS and specific efficacy of the CMM. Finally, the bottlenecks will be solved that related to the transmission and traceability of quality attributes in the process of TCM production, quantity change, overall quality management and so on. This system is going to improve TCM quantity scientific and intelligent supervision, and promote the upgrading of traditional TCM industry.
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Q-marker is a new concept of quality control for traditional Chinese medicine. Since its introduction in 2016, it has received extensive support and participation from researchers and manufactures of the entire industry. In order to establishing the research level of quality markers, normative research model, we review the proposed core theory and research methods of Chinese medicine quality markers. The definition and scientific connotation of Chinese medicine quality markers are analyzed. The core theories and research methods of quality markers are summarized from five aspects: "effectiveness", "specificity", "transfer and traceability", "compatibility environment" and "measurability" of quality markers. This paper aims to provide useful theoretical and methodological guidance for studying Chinese medicine quality markers.
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Although the basic theory of "Xuanfa Sujiang" has been generally accepted by Chinese medicine practitioners, it is still controversial that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory is combined with modern biology and interpreted by modern science. Based on relevant classical theories, prescriptions, pharmacological substance basis and biological mechanism, we put forward the following points in this paper: The effect and function of "Feiqi" governing organ movement depends on the difference about subtype or expression of adrenergic receptors on the post ganglionic fibers dominated autonomic effector. Coincidentally, TCM theory selected different types of natural effective molecules, such as phenylethylamine and its derivatived alkaloid, to achieve a good sympathetic regulation, and just meet the different needs of clinical treatment; The β-AR/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway is the core pathways for positive regulation; The concept of the "Zhijie" is closely related to the balance of myosin light chain phosphorylation and dephosphorylation levels; Prescription compatibility can effectively enhance the crosstalk between adrenergic receptor-related multiple signal pathways, and reflect the advantages of TCM for complex diseases treatment by multi-ingredients and multi-targets.
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Precision medicine pointed out the future direction for medicine,providing new opportunities for the development of TCM,putting forward higher requirements and encountering severe challenges of the quality research of TCM.In view of the core connotation of precision medicine and the characteristics of TCM,we presented the precision connotation of quality based on the basic attributes,the clinical application and function characteristics of TCM in accordance with the thinking mode and method of the transformation research.In this article,we indicated the research approach for the scientific evaluation and effective control of quality based on the precise cognition of TCM.
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Property and flavor theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the core base for clinical treatment of diseases. However, few research about its chemical and biological characterization was performed. In this paper, network pharmacology was adopted to review patterns around the theory of TCM. "Xiaoke" prescription database, which combinations of herb medicines for diabetes therapy, was firstly built to explore prescription regularity and screen core paired-components. The prescription regularity and molecular mechanism of flavor composition were explored through the relationship of "drug-compound-target-pathway-function" by ChEMBL, CTD and KEGG datebase. As a result, the tastes of "Gan" (sweetish taste) and "Ku" (bitter taste) were the popular therapeutic flavor to regulate the disorder of glucose and lipid metabolisms. The mechanism of Xiaoke was summarized from representative traditional Chinese medicine partner "Zhimu-Huangbai" and "Huangqi-Gegen". The key components of "Gan", including saponins stimulated insulin secretion, improve insulin resistance and promote glucose utilization. The components of "Ku", including flavonoids and alkaloids regulate inflammatory cytokines, promoted the utilization of glucose, improve endocrine and metabolism through MAPK, PI3K-Akt, PPAR signal pathway. The TCM therapeutic mechanism about "Xiaoke" was preliminarily summarized to clear "heat" by anti-inflammation and immunoregulation, to regulate glucolipid metabolism for removing the satiation of digestion, and to improve the utilization of insulin and diabetes complications for endocrine adjusting. The results demonstrate that therapeutic principle of TCM for "Xiaoke" is comprehensive via multi pathway. This study provides a new research method and strategy for exploring the mechanism of TCM for diabetes therapy.
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Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have become effective treatments for many diseases. However, their active ingredients are still uncertain and difficult to identify. In this study, we propose a strategy that integrates ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) and bioactive (NF-κB inhibitor) luciferase reporter assay systems for the rapid determination of various anti-inflammatory compounds of TCM preparations. In this way, Bufei Granule (BFG), a TCM preparation used for the clinical therapy of asthma, was analyzed by the two ways of component identification and activity detection. Potential anti-inflammatory constituents were screened by NF-κB activity assay systems and simultaneously identified according to the mass spectrometry data. Three structural types of NF-κB inhibitors (caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids and Pentacyclic triterpenes) were characterized. Further cytokine detection confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of the potential NF-κB inhibitors. Compared with conventional chromatographic separation and inhibitory activity detection, integrating UPLC/Q-TOF-MS identification and virtual validation was more convenient and more reliable. This strategy clearly demonstrates that MS data-based fingerprinting is a meaningful tool not only in identifying constituents in complex matrix but also in directly screening for powerful trace ingredients in TCM preparations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subject(s)
Chromatography, Liquid/methods , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry , Mass Spectrometry/methods , NF-kappa B/antagonists & inhibitors , HEK293 Cells , Humans , Limit of DetectionABSTRACT
In recent years, the research object of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) analysis has not just been limited to the common analysis technology, but focused on the key relationship between chemical ingredients and traditional functions, including Chinese material medica (CMM) attributes, chemical substance and biological function. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) analysis technology, due to its unique advantages, has been developed rapidly in the field of pharmaceutical analysis, especially in the TCM analysis. NIRS can reflect the global chemical information comprehensively, and this holistic approach can be used for the identification and cluster analysis of CMM. On the other hand, inspiring by the concept of TCM quality markers (Q-markers), by means of the activity screening assay of the key components from the CMM, multiple bioactive components quantitation can be achieved by the NIRS combined with chemometrics. Taking the full advantage of the NIR technology, a simple and reliable method for the fast evaluation of the quality of TCMs can be provided. Therefore, the progress and trend of modern TCM quality evaluation by NIR are discussed and prospected in the present review.
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After thousands of years of development, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have evolved into a complete scientific system characterized by multiple components, targets, and pathways, which mediates numerous pharmacological activities and efficacies. The development of "-omics" technology, including systems biology and network pharmacology, has enabled the illustration of TCMs from a more systematic view. Although the network adequately reflects the overall philosophy of TCMs, its complexity hinders the relevant research to a hover. In addition, the strategies involved appear to be in contrast to the original concise and efficacious disease therapy oriented focus on classic Chinese material medica (CMM). Based on the established holistic view and reductionism, in this review, we discuss an integrated systems biology and chemical biology research approach that will facilitate and accelerate the understanding of the mechanisms of TCMs. Furthermore, we are optimistic that it will elucidate the associated interactions between active natural products and their targets, and ultimately improve the strategies for complex disease therapies.
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Gram-negative pathogen-induced nosocomial infections and resistance are a most serious menace to global public health. Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan (QF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been used clinically in China for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, acute or chronic bronchitis and pulmonary infection. In this study, the effects of QF on Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced acute pneumonia in mice were evaluated. The mechanisms by which four typical anti-inflammatory ingredients from QF, arctigenin (ATG), cholic acid (CLA), chlorogenic acid (CGA) and sinapic acid (SPA), regulate anti-inflammatory signaling pathways and related targets were investigated using molecular biology and molecular docking techniques. The results showed that pretreatment with QF significantly inhibits the release of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and chemokines (IL-8 and RANTES), reduces leukocytes recruitment into inflamed tissues and ameliorates pulmonary edema and necrosis. In addition, ATG was identified as the primary anti-inflammatory agent with action on the PI3K/AKT and Ras/MAPK pathways. CLA and CGA enhanced the actions of ATG and exhibited synergistic NF-κB inactivation effects possibly via the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, CLA is speculated to target FGFR and MEK firstly. Overall, QF regulated the PI3K/AKT and Ras/MAPK pathways to inhibit pathogenic bacterial infections effectively.
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Fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is in the guidance of the basic theory of TCM, according to the variety and quality of TCM and using a variety of analytical methods and technology, to establish the objective, overall and multi index comprehensive evaluation system. The TCM fingerprint in one of the strategic subjects for TCM modernization. As more and more technologies have been applied to the fingerprint research of TCM, it is sure to play a much more important role in many aspects, such as the quality control of TCM, the researches of efficient components, and the mechanism in TCM, and so on. The fingerprint technology includes many modern technologies such as high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Corydalis yanhusuo is an ancient TCM, and recent years appears many researches about fingerprint of C. yanhusuo. This paper generalizes the research in progresses in research and analytical methods on fingerprint technology of C. yanhusuo, processed products (vinegar), and painkillers, to provide the scientific basis for fingerprint method and quality control of C. yanhusuo.
Subject(s)
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Methods , Corydalis , Chemistry , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Quality ControlABSTRACT
Chinese visceral manifestation theory states that lung dominates qi, regulates breathing, and governs Xuanfa (dispersing) and Sujiang (descending). Clarifying this theory with modern physiological and pathological knowledge has been considered as an important part of complementary and alternative medicine therapy. Previous studies found that most Xuanfa drugs contained pharmacodynamic ingredients related to adrenergic receptors (ARs) signal transduction. The association of Xuanfa, with the control of breath movement, nutrient transfer, spreading heat to regulate temperature, and helping the heart control blood circulation, coincides with the physiological function of organs dominated by Ars-regulated sympathetic postganglionic fibers. Therefore, we hypothesize that Xuanfa is closely related to Ars-regulated signal transduction. By modern biological knowledge, we tried to evaluate and expound the correlation between the molecular mechanisms of modern physiology or pathology and Xuanfa or Sujiang theory. Ultimately, the research and development of modern drugs should fully expect the guidance from Chinese visceral manifestation theory, and the application of this principle will guide the prevention and clinical treatment of a variety of refractory diseases caused by a change in environment, climate, or lifestyle. © 2014 Tianjin Press of Chinese Herbal Medicines.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the molecular mechanisms of main active ingredients of Siwu decoction analogous formulae for treating primary dysmenorrhea of gynecology blood stasis syndrome by network pharmacology study, and to investigate the correlations between multi-compounds, multi targets and multi pathways.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Major active compounds from Siwu decoction analogous formulae, including ligustilide, butylidene phthalide, senkyunolide, ferulic acid, gallic acid, peoniflorin, jioglutin A, catalpol, transanethole, zingiberone, commiphoric acid, eugenol, isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside, wulingzhic acid, alpha-cyperone, cyperene, costunolide, costic acid, tetrahydropalmatine, protopine, amygdalin, 24-methylene cycloartanol, oleic acid, linoleic acid, 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid, hydroxysafflor yellow A, coptisine, berberine, jatrorrhizine, baicalein, baicalin, wogonin were collected to build component-protein networks based on PharmMapper database. The targets information access was used to construct and visualize components-targets-pathways network model using the kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway database and Cytoscape software.</p><p><b>RESULT AND CONCLUSION</b>Serine threonine protein kinases play an important role in the process of cells. They were potential targets in the effect of Siwu decoction analogous formulae. The effect of main active ingredients involved 51 the pathway. Besides the same ones, Shaofu Zhuyu decoction had more effect on lipid metabolism, Xiangfu Siwu decoction on amino acid metabolism pathways, Taohong Siwu decoction on carbohydrate metabolism, while, Qinlian Siwu decoction on ErbB, VEGF signal transduction pathway. Siwu decoction and its derived formulae not only had common targets and pathways, but also had their own emphasis. This reflected the formulae effect mode of multi-ingredients, multi-targets and multi-pathways. It may provide clues to deeper study of molecular mechanism of Siwu decoction analogous formulae action.</p>
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Dysmenorrhea , Drug Therapy , Genetics , Metabolism , Gynecology , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Methods , Signal Transduction , GeneticsABSTRACT
In this paper, Chinese medicine theory about Fei Qi being responsible for administration and regulationwas carried out as a topic. The modern scientific research achievement had been integrated to propose a hypothesis about the function of Fei Qi that related with postganglionic fibers dominated autonomic effector's physiological functions. By analyzing the mechanism and clinical application of adrenergic receptors and cholinergic receptors agonist or antagonist drugs, and summarizing some related effective compounds from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), we tried to clarify the basic role of Fei Qi is checking the balance of yin and yang, which is consistent with sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve regulated functions. After interpreting of modern biological knowledge, we aimed to develop a systematic integrated medicine which fused eastern and western wisdom. Finally, the guiding role of the theory derived from visceral manifestation should be expected fully in the research and development of modern drugs. The application of this theory will be a profound meaning to lead the prevention and clinical treatment for a variety of refractory diseases.
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This study aims to clarify out the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan. Chemical constituents of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan identified by UPLC Q-TOF, were submit to Molinspiration, PharmMapper and KEGG bioinformatics softwares for predicting their absorption parameters, target proteins and related pathways respectively; and the gene chip and real time-PCR were carried out to investigate the expression of inflammatory genes on lung tissue of guinea pigs or human bronchial epithelial cell lines. The predicted results showed that 19 of the 24 absorbable constituents affected at 9 inflammation-related pathways through 11 protein targets; Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan treatment can significantly reduce the infiltration of cytokines through ERK1 gene and 5 inflammatory pathways (Focal adhesion, Fc epsilon RI, Toll-like receptors, NK cell-mediated cytotoxic, and ERK/MAPK). The results of real time-PCR further confirmed that the anti-inflammatory effects of Qingfei Xiaoyan Wan were due to active ingredients such as arctigenin, cholic acid and sinapic acid intervened focal adhesion, Fc epsilon RI signaling and ERK/MAPK pathways. The novel approach of 'drug-target-pathway' will present an effective strategy for the study of traditional Chinese medicines.
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Humans , Male , Anti-Inflammatory Agents , Pharmacology , Asthma , Metabolism , Pathology , Cell Line , Cholic Acid , Pharmacology , Coumaric Acids , Pharmacology , Cytokines , Metabolism , Drug Combinations , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Pharmacology , Epithelial Cells , Furans , Pharmacology , Guinea Pigs , Inflammation , Metabolism , Lignans , Pharmacology , Lung , Pathology , MAP Kinase Signaling System , Random Allocation , Receptors, IgE , Metabolism , Toll-Like Receptors , MetabolismABSTRACT
Visceral manifestation theory is that lung dominates Qi, breath, and governs ascent and dispersion. How to combine the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the modern physiology and pathology in modern scientific interpretation has been the focus of attention. Previous study found that most of the ventilating lung and releasing exterior drugs contained the pharmacodynamic substance related to adrenergic receptor (AR) signal transduction. The connotation of "lung governing ascent", such as controlling breath movement, transferring nutrients, spreading heat to regulate temperature, helping the heart to control blood circulation, coincided with the physiological function of the organ dominated by the AR-regulated sympathetic postganglionic fibers. Therefore, the hypothesis of "lung governing ascent" is closely related to AR pathway signal transduction. The correlation between the molecular mechanism of the modern physiology and pathology and pharmacodynamic substance basis was evaluated and expounded by the deduction of pulmonary modern biological theory based on ventilating lung and releasing exterior in this paper. So the guidance on the theory of visceral manifestation in TCM for the research and development of modern drugs should be expected fully. Ultimately, the application of lung governing ascent principle will be a profound meaning to guide the prevention and clinical treatment for a variety of refractory diseases caused by the change of environment, climate or lifestyle.
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This study is to explore the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine rhubarb with antiproliferative activity on hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSF). Rhubarb was extracted with Soxhlet extraction method by different polar solvents. MTS method was used to screen rhubarb solvent extracts (25 microg x mL(-1)) with anti-proliferative activity on HSF, and flow cytometry was used to detect their influences on cell cycle. Then, the active ingredients were analyzed by HPLC. The components with high activity were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF and verified by HE staining. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of rhubarb had higher anti-proliferative activity (P < 0.01), increased significantly the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase (P < 0.01), and reduced the proliferation index (PI) (P < 0.01). The main active ingredients were anthraquinones. The results of confirming experiment showed that emodin, rhein and gallic acid could inhibit cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the ethyl acetate extract of rhubarb showed anti-proliferative activity on HSF, and the anti-proliferative ingredients might be anthraquinones.
Subject(s)
Humans , Anthraquinones , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Cell Cycle , Cell Proliferation , Cells, Cultured , Cicatrix, Hypertrophic , Pathology , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Emodin , Pharmacology , Fibroblasts , Pathology , Gallic Acid , Pharmacology , Plant Stems , Chemistry , Plants, Medicinal , Chemistry , Rheum , ChemistryABSTRACT
This study is to explore the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine rhubarb with antiproliferative activity on hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSF). Rhubarb was extracted with Soxhlet extraction method by different polar solvents. MTS method was used to screen rhubarb solvent extracts (25 microg x mL(-1)) with anti-proliferative activity on HSF, and flow cytometry was used to detect their influences on cell cycle. Then, the active ingredients were analyzed by HPLC. The components with high activity were identified by UPLC-Q/TOF and verified by HE staining. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of rhubarb had higher anti-proliferative activity (P < 0.01), increased significantly the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase (P < 0.01), and reduced the proliferation index (PI) (P < 0.01). The main active ingredients were anthraquinones. The results of confirming experiment showed that emodin, rhein and gallic acid could inhibit cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the ethyl acetate extract of rhubarb showed anti-proliferative activity on HSF, and the anti-proliferative ingredients might be anthraquinones.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a HPLC method for the determination of 11 essential compounds in Xuebijing injection.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Chromatogaphic analysis was performed on Aglient Zorbax SB-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm). The mobile phase 0. 5% acetic acid and methanol-acetonitrile-acetic acid (40: 60: 0.5). The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) with the detection wavelength at 280 nm; column temperature at 35 degrees C, and automatic sampling volume of 20 microL.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>All the 11 essential compounds showed good linearity (r = 0.9982-0.9999)in the range of the tests concentration. The RSD of the precision, reproducibility and stability tests were less than 3%; the average recoveries of the method were in the range of 95.02%-104.94%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The method is simple, rapid and accurate, so it is proposed for the quality control of compounds of Xuebijing injection.</p>
Subject(s)
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Methods , Dosage Forms , Drugs, Chinese HerbalABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the impact of the expression of S100P on the prognosis and tumor chemosensitivity in patients with resectable gastric cancer and its mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression of S100P was analyzed in 121 resected primary gastric cancer tissues by using tissue array of immunohistochemistry excised from January 2003 to December 2007. The patients received adjuvant chemotherapy with oxaliplatin. The pEGFP-S100P plasmid was constructed and was transfected into BGC823 cell line to establish gastric cancer cell line with over-expression of human S100P, BGC823-S100P. The expression level of S100P was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot assay. The chemosensitivity of BGC823-S100P cell line to oxaliplatin was detected by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The S100P was positively expressed in 64 tumors (52.9%, 64/121). Although there was no significant relation between the expression of S100P and tumor T staging (P = 0.683), N staging (P = 0.472), M staging (P = 0.770) and differentiation (P = 0.553), Wilcoxon test showed that the 5-year cumulative survival rate of patients with positive S100P expression was significantly higher than that of patients with negative expression (20.3% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.034). Furthermore, overexpressed of S100P was found in the BGC823 cell line, BGC823-S100P. The mRNA and protein level of S100P in pEGFP transfected BGC823-S100P cell lines were significantly higher than those in control group (8.42 ± 1.38 vs. 0.83 ± 0.11 and 3.52 ± 0.48 vs. 0.97 ± 0.19, all P < 0.05). It indicated with MTT assay that the half-inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) to oxaliplatin decreased in BGC823-S100P cells, and was significantly lower than that in vector-only transfected cells [(142 ± 16) mg/L vs. (266 ± 11) mg/L, P = 0.032].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>S100P may also be a potentially novel independent prognostic factor in gastric cancer patients following curative resection. And it could improve the cumulative survival of the patients through enhancing the chemosensitivity of tumor cell line to oxaliplatin.</p>