Efficacy and safety of adjuvant topical application of botanicals in the treatment of melasma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical application of botanical (TAB) adjuvants in the treatment of melasma and provide evidence-based medical evidence for their clinical application. Methods: Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and SinoMed, databases were searched to identify all randomized controlled clinical trials on TAB adjuvant treatment for melasma from inception to May 2023. The primary outcomes included clinical efficacy, adverse effects, recurrence rate, and melanin index. Subgroup analyses were performed using the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) scores. Results: This study included 16 randomized trials with 1386 participants. Eligible trials demonstrated that topical phytomedicine adjuvant treatment for melasma increased clinical effectiveness (RR = 1.14, 95% CI (1.10, 1.19), P ＜0.00001), decreased recurrence rate (RR = 0.28, 95% CI (0.13, 0.59), P = 0.0009), and decreased melanin index (MI) (MD = -22.2,95% CI (-31.79, -12.61), P < 0.00001). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that topical phytomedicines reduced MASI scores (I2 = 0%, MDI = -0.95, 95% CI (-1.23,0.67), P < 0.00001), but when scored as the rate of decrease in MASI, topical phytomedicines had high MASI scores (I2 = 15%, MD = 0.3, 95% CI (0, 0.59), P = 0.05), indicating a slower rate of melasma mitigation when botanicals were applied topically. Although burning pain, redness and other mild adverse reactions may occur during the treatment period, they can be recovered on their own, and there is no statistical significance in the comparison of the two groups (RR = 0.95, 95% CI (0.42, 2.51), P = 0.91). Conclusion: TAB for melasma has a clear adjuvant clinical efficacy, a low recurrence rate, and does not cause serious adverse effects. An appropriate administration method may achieve better efficacy; however, this requires further verification.

Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza Ameliorates Burn Injuries by Reducing Inflammation and Promoting Wound Healing.

Purpose: Radix Salvia miltiorrhiza (RSM), a commonly used medicinal plant, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects, but relevant studies on burn injuries are lacking. We investigated the anti-inflammation and wound healing (WH) effects of an aqueous extract of RSM on a burn model in rats. Methods: The effects of RSM were studied by heat-induced burns in rats, treatment with vehicle, Jinwanhong ointment, and RSM (1.5 or 0.75 g/mL). Indicators of burn tissue (BT) were photographed by digital machines and analyzed. The microcirculation in BT was detected by scattered full-frame real-time imaging. Levels of inflammatory mediators and growth factors were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemical staining. Local pathologic changes in BT were observed by hematoxylin-and-eosin (HE) staining. Ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) was used to explore the absorption of RSM in local skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle tissue, serum, liver tissue, and kidney tissue. Results: RSM treatment could reduce the wound area, increase percent WH, increase blood perfusion in BT, reduce serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), increase levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, and hydroxyproline (Hyp) in serum, and increase protein expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), TGF-ß1, EGF, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF)-1 in skin tissues. RSM treatment led to micro-absorption in the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscle, but not in the blood, liver, or kidney. Conclusion: RSM may promote WH by exerting anti-inflammatory effects, improving local-wound microcirculation, and accelerating the metabolism at the wound surface.

Transcriptomic analysis the mechanisms of anti-osteoporosis of desert-living Cistanche herb in ovariectomized rats of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Desert-living Cistanche herb (DC), as a traditional Chinese medicine for tonifying kidney yang, is often used to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). Total phenylethanoid glycosides are instruction ingredients for discrimination and assay according to the China pharmacopoeia for DC. This research aimed to reveal the anti-osteoporosis mechanism of total phenylethanoid glycosides of DC (PGC) by transcriptomic analysis of ovariectomized rats. Serum levels of BGP were evaluated by ELISA, the bone weight was measured, and transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of osteoblasts in rats. In addition, micro-CT was used to detect the bone volume (Tb.BS/BV), bone mineral density (Tb.BMD), and bone mineral content (Tb.BMC) in trabecular bone, and the ratio of cortical bone area to total area (Ct.ar/Tt.ar), and the level of bone mineral content (Ct.BMC) in cortical bone. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) after PGC treatment were analyzed by transcriptomics. Then, a bioinformatics analysis of DEGs was carried out through GO enrichment, KEGG enrichment, and selection of the nucleus gene through the protein-protein interaction network. Through qRT-PCR analysis, the DEGs were verified. The analysis results indicated that PGC increased the secretion of osteogenic markers, and ultrastructural characterization of osteoblasts and bone morphology were improved in ovariectomized rats. A total of 269 genes were differentially expressed, including 201 genes that were downregulated and 68 genes that were upregulated between the model group and the PGC group. Bioinformation analysis results prompt the conclusion that PGC could promote the bone metabolism by muscle cell development, myofibril assembly, etc. In addition, our study also found that PGC has a good effect on osteoporosis complicated with cardiomyopathy, and it also provided evidence for the correlation between sarcopenia and osteoporosis.

Chinese Ecliptae herba (Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.) extract and its component wedelolactone enhances osteoblastogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via targeting METTL3-mediated m6A RNA methylation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chinese Ecliptae herba (Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.) is an ethnomedicinal herb, which is used mainly to nourish kidney and thus strengthen bones according to traditional Chinese medicine theory. Pharmacological studies have supported the ethnomedicine use, showing that Ecliptae herba extract has an anti-osteoporotic effect in vivo and promoted osteoblast proliferation and activity in vitro. However, the molecular mechanism of Ecliptae herba on osteoblast differentiation from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC), the progenitors of osteoblasts, is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA epigenetic modification may play a key role in promoting osteoblastic differentiation, and thus treating osteoporosis. This study sought to assess the mechanism through which Eclipate herba and its component wedelolactone influence m6A modification during the process of osteoblastogenesis from BMSC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red S (ARS) staining were applied to determine osteoblastogenesis from BMSC. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were performed. RNA sequencing analysis was used to determine the characteristics of m6A methylation. Stable knocking down of METTL3 using lentiviral-based shRNA was performed. RESULTS: Upon 9 d treatment of BMSC with ethyl acetate extract of Ecliptae herba (MHL), ALP activity and ossification level increased in comparison with osteogenic medium (OS)-treated control. The expression of methyltransferase METTL3 and METTL14 was significantly increased, but WTAP expression had no change in response to MHL treatment. Knocking down of METTL3 resulted in a decrease in MHL-induced ALP activity, ossification level as well as mRNA expression of Osterix and Osteocalcin, two bone formation-related markers. The level of m6A increased when BMSC was treated with MHL for 9 d. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that MHL treatment altered mRNA m6A modification of genes associated with osteoblastogenesis. By kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, HIF-1α, PI3K/Akt, and Hippo signaling pathways were enriched and associated with m6A modification. The expression of m6A-modified genes including HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and RASSF1, was upregulated by MHL, but the upregulation was reversed after METTL3 knockdown. Additionally, the enhanced expression of METTL3 was also observed after treatment with wedelolactone, a component from MHL. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested a previously uncharacterized mechanism of MHL and wedelolactone on osteoblastogenesis, by which METTL3-mediated m6A methylation is involved and thus contributes to the enhancement of osteoblastogenesis.

Association of Valproic Acid Use With Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Development: A Meta-Analysis of Two Retrospective Case-Control Studies.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in treatments, myocardial infarction (MI) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our team has previously shown that valproic acid (VPA) is cardio-protective when administered to rats post-MI. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of VPA use with post-MI heart failure (HF) development in humans. METHODS: This study was a random effects meta-analysis of two retrospective case-control studies collected from electronic health record (Michigan Medicine) and claims data (OptumInsight). Cases with an active prescription for VPA at the time of their MI were matched 1:4 to controls not taking VPA at the time of their MI by multiple demographic and clinical characteristics. The primary outcome, time-to-HF development, was analyzed using the Fine-Gray competing risks model of any VPA prescription versus no VPA prescription. An exploratory analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of different VPA doses (≥1000 mg/day vs <1000 mg/day vs 0 mg/day VPA). RESULTS: In total, the datasets included 1313 patients (249 cases and 1064 controls). In the meta-analysis, any dose of VPA during an MI tended to be protective against incident HF post-MI (HR = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.72-1.01). However, when stratified by dose, high-dose VPA (≥1000 mg/day) significantly associated with 30% reduction in risk for HF post-MI (HR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.49-0.91), whereas low-dose VPA (<1000 mg/day) did not (HR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.78-1.13). CONCLUSION: VPA doses ≥1000 mg/day may provide post-MI cardio-protection resulting in a reduced incidence of HF.

Protective effect of Du-Zhong-Wan against osteoporotic fracture by targeting the osteoblastogenesis and angiogenesis couple factor SLIT3.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Du-Zhong-Wan (DZW) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) composed of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. and Dipsacus asper Wall. ex C.B. Clarke in the ratio 1:1. Based on the TCM theory, DZW nourishes the kidney to strengthen the bones. The literature research revealed that DZW possesses anti-fatigue, anti-depressant, and anti-osteoporotic properties. However, the action and mechanism of DZW on osteoporotic fracture remains slightly unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the pharmacological effect of DZW on ovariectomized mice with an open femoral fracture and reveal the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted ovariectomy for 5 weeks, followed by unilateral open transverse femoral fracture for another 3 weeks in C57BL/6 mice; during this process, DZW was administrated. The femur bone and vertebra tissues were collected and analyzed by micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry, mechanical strength testing, immunohistochemistry staining, and qRT-PCR analyses. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red S (ARS) staining were performed to determine the extent of osteoblastogenesis from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Western blotting was performed to examine the protein expression. RESULTS: DZW treatment significantly improved the bone histomorphometric parameters in mice undergoing ovariectomy when combined with the femoral fracture, including an increase in the bone volume, trabecular number, and bone formation rate and a decrease in the bone erosion area. Simultaneously, DZW treatment histologically promoted fractured callus formation. Mechanical strength testing revealed significantly higher stiffness and an ultimate load after treatment with DZW. The angiogenesis of H-type vessels was enhanced by DZW, as evidenced by increased levels of CD31 and endomucin (EMCN), the H-type vessel endothelium markers, at the fractured endosteum and metaphysis regions. Relative to the osteoporotic fracture mice, the DZW treatment group showed an increased proangiogenic factor SLIT3 level. The increased level of SLIT3 was also recorded during the process of DZW-stimulated osteoblastogenesis from BMSCs. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we demonstrated that DZW promoted osteoporotic fracture healing by enhancing osteoblastogenesis and angiogenesis of the H-type vessels. This enhanced combination of osteoblastogenesis and angiogenesis was possibly related to the production of proangiogenic factor SLIT3 induced by DZW.

Effects of Jianpi Lishi Jiedu granules on colorectal adenoma patients after endoscopic treatment: study protocol for a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal adenomas (CRAs) are precancerous lesions of the large intestine presenting as colorectal polyps. At present, the conventional treatment methods for CRA mainly include high-frequency electrocoagulation and electroexcision, biopsy forceps polypectomy, cauterization by laser and microwave, and other endoscopic interventions. The principal advantages conferred by these treatment strategies include less trauma, quick postoperative recovery, and simplicity to perform. However, the higher recurrence rates and insignificant improvement of postoperative symptoms after endoscopic surgery are considerable drawbacks to this approach. Besides, there is currently no effective pharmacotherapy to prevent the recurrence of CRA. Jianpi Lishi Jiedu (JLJ) granules are a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to manage postoperative patients with CRA, which has shown a certain degree of efficacy in clinical practice. However, its effectiveness and safety profile have not been convincingly evaluated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety profile of JLJ granules in the management of postoperative patients with CRA and to observe the recurrence rate of adenoma in these patients. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial is performed in this study. A total of 80 postoperative patients with CRA will be randomly classified into the Jianpi Lishi Jiedu granules group or the placebo control group. Patients in both groups shall receive 3 months of intervention, after which medical follow-up and safety evaluation will be performed for all of the patients. The primary outcome is the recurrence rate of adenomas within 12 months. The secondary outcomes are the cardinal TCM symptom scores, minor TCM symptom scores, Bristol Stool Scale, efficacy of TCM symptoms, safety indicators, and blinding assessment. DISCUSSION: In this study, the impact on the recurrence of adenomas and the efficacy and safety of JLJ granules in terms of improving the clinical symptoms of postoperative patients with CRA will be evaluated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR 2100044297. Registered on March 16, 2021.

[Analysis of animal models of chronic atrophic gastritis based on characteristics of clinical symptoms of traditional Chinese and Western medicine].

Based on the clinical characteristics of chronic atrophic gastritis in traditional Chinese and Western medicine, the domestic and foreign relevant literature reports and animal models of chronic atrophic as well as the clinical diagnostic indicators of traditional Chinese and western medicine, chronic atrophic gastritis evaluation standard was summarized to evaluate and analyze the coincidence degree of clinical symptoms of the existing chronic atrophic gastritis animal models. The statistical results found that modeling methods with a higher coincidence degree with the existing chronic atrophic gastritis animal models are disease and syndrome combination mode-ling, surgical modeling, multifactor comprehensive modeling and MNNG modeling. Although the animal models were reproduced by such methods as etiology, pathogenesis and disease and syndrome combination similar to those of human beings, there is still a big gap with the natural disease state. Further in-depth studies and improvement shall be made in clinical practice in the hope to provide refe-rence for clinical practice and experimental studies of chronic atrophic gastritis.

Study on the anti-hepatocarcinoma effect and molecular mechanism of Prunella vulgaris total flavonoids.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The traditional use of Prunella vulgaris is for the treatment of liver cancer in a few areas of China. At present, it is used primarily for the treatment of thyroid cancer, throat cancer, and lymphosarcoma among others. However, there are few current scientific reports regarding its use for the treatment of liver cancer. In this paper, the effective treatment for liver cancer is studied to provide an experimental basis for the application of Prunella vulgaris, which is related to preparations in the treatment of liver cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY: To study the anti-hepatocarcinoma effect of Prunella vulgaris total flavonoids and explores the possible molecular mechanism. METHODS: The effects of Prunella vulgaris total flavonoids on the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells were respected by RTCA analysis system. The tumor volume and weight were found in H22 tumor bearing mice. ELISA was used to observe the apoptosis and autophagy protein expressions in tumor tissue homogenate, along with the immune serum factor. Tumor tissue apoptosis was respected by the TUNEL method. And Bax, Bcl2, PI3K, Akt, mTOR, Beclin-1 and LC3-I/LC3-II expression were observed through Western blot. We also observed the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3-I/LC3-II through immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The total flavonoids of Prunella vulgaris inhibited the activity of SMMC-7721 cells, and reduced the tumor volume and weight in H22 tumor bearing mice. HE staining showed that the Prunella vulgaris total flavonoids inhibited liver metastasis of H22 tumor. The Prunella vulgaris total flavonoids significantly made the expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ immune factors increasing in the serum of tumor bearing mice, and the contents of caspase-3 and caspase-9 increase as well in tumor tissue homogenate. TUNEL showed that the mean density in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group. P62 content in tumor tissue homogenate increased and ATG5 decreased after intervention. Immunohistochemistry showed Beclin-1 expression decreased and LC3-I/LC3-II increased in the tumor tissue. Western blot showed Bcl2, Beclin-1 expression decreased and Bax, PI3K, Akt, mTOR, LC3-I/LC3-II increased in the tumor tissue. CONCLUSION: Prunella vulgaris total flavonoids have an obvious anti-hepatocarcinoma effect, and the mechanism may be linked to the inhibition of autophagy and promotion of apoptosis in liver cancer cells. The inhibition of autophagy may be related to activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Effects of total flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance model rats induced by letrozole combined with a high-fat diet.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves are the dry leaves of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Modern studies have shown that Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves and its extracts have many pharmacological effects, such as regulating hypothalamus pituitary ovary (HPO) axis function, estrogen like effects, correcting insulin resistance (IR), regulating lipids, and reducing weight, which are consistent with the clinical manifestations in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. PCOS patients often have HPO axis disorder, low estrogen, high androgen, high IR complication rate, and obesity. Previous preclinical studies have shown that total flavonoids from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves (TFEL) can improve the imbalance in sex hormone secretion in perimenopausal animal models by regulating the function of the HPO axis. Thus, it is important to understand if flavonoids are the active parts of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. leaves that interfere with polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR), and determine the regulatory role they play in sex hormones and IR? AIM OF THE STUDY: Investigate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway in the ovary and kisspeptin/insulin like growth factor/leptin receptor1/androgen receptor (Kiss1/IGF-1/LEPR/AR) in the HPO axis to determine the mechanism of TFEL intervention in a rat model of PCOS-IR model rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat model of PCOS-IR was established using a high-fat diet (49 d) combined with letrozole (1 mg/kg·d, for 28 d). Then, metformin (300 mg/kg·d) and TFEL (220 mg/kg·d, 110 mg/kg·d, and 55 mg/kg·d) were administered continuously for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, samples were taken and the related indexes were measured. RESULTS: TFEL reduced the body weight, Lee's index, ovarian index, ovarian area and ovarian volume, increased serum E2, SHBG levels and ISI, decreased serum levels of T, LEP, INS, and FBG (whole blood), and reduced the HOMA-IR in rats with PCOS-IR. TFEL downregulate Kiss1, IGF-1, and AR in the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus, and upregulate Kiss1, downregulate IGF-1 and AR in the pituitary gland, and upregulate Kiss1, downregulate IGF-1, LEPR, and AR in the ovary of rats with PCOS-IR. TFEL could downregulate p-IRS-1Ser307, upregulate IRS-1, p-IRS-1Tyr895, PI3Kp85α, p-PI3Kp85α, AKT, p-AKT, and GLUT4 in the ovary, and ameliorated histopathological changes in the ovary and pancreas of rats with PCOS-IR. CONCLUSION: TFEL can inhibit ovarian hyperplasia, regulate disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism and improve the secretion of sex hormones, by regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-related proteins in the ovary and Kiss1/IGF-1/LEPR/AR in the HPO axis.

The rapid identification of chemical constituents in Fufang Xiling Jiedu capsule, a modern Chinese medicine, by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry and data mining strategy.

Fufang Xiling Jiedu capsule is an effective Chinese medicine widely used for the treatment of cold and influenza. However, its chemical constituents had not been determined, which entailed a huge obstacle to further pharmacological studies, clinical-safe medication administration, and quality evaluation. To identify the chemical constituents in Fufang Xiling Jiedu capsule, an efficient and systematic approach using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in conjunction with a data mining strategy was adopted in this study. As a result, 145 compounds were qualitatively identified, including 26 phenolic acids, 46 flavonoids, 39 triterpenes, and 34 other compounds, among which 6 were potentially new and 144 were being reported from Fufang Xiling Jiedu capsule for the first time. This research not only provides useful information for quality control of Fufang Xiling Jiedu capsule and its involved single herbs but also serve as basis data for further study of Fufang Xiling Jiedu capsule in vivo. Moreover, it provides a reference for the characterization of the chemical constituents of other Chinese medicine preparations.

Proper animal experimental designs for preclinical research of biomaterials for intervertebral disc regeneration.

Low back pain is a vital musculoskeletal disease that impairs life quality, leads to disability and imposes heavy economic burden on the society, while it is greatly attributed to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the existing treatments, such as medicines, chiropractic adjustments and surgery, cannot achieve ideal disc regeneration. Therefore, advanced bioactive therapies are implemented, including stem cells delivery, bioreagents administration, and implantation of biomaterials etc. Among these researches, few reported unsatisfying regenerative outcomes. However, these advanced therapies have barely achieved successful clinical translation. The main reason for the inconsistency between satisfying preclinical results and poor clinical translation may largely rely on the animal models that cannot actually simulate the human disc degeneration. The inappropriate animal model also leads to difficulties in comparing the efficacies among biomaterials in different reaches. Therefore, animal models that better simulate the clinical charateristics of human IDD should be acknowledged. In addition, in vivo regenerative outcomes should be carefully evaluated to obtain robust results. Nevertheless, many researches neglect certain critical characteristics, such as adhesive properties for biomaterials blocking annulus fibrosus defects and hyperalgesia that is closely related to the clinical manifestations, e.g., low back pain. Herein, in this review, we summarized the animal models established for IDD, and highlighted the proper models and parameters that may result in acknowledged IDD models. Then, we discussed the existing biomaterials for disc regeneration and the characteristics that should be considered for regenerating different parts of discs. Finally, well-established assays and parameters for in vivo disc regeneration are explored.

The comprehensive study on the therapeutic effects of baicalein for the treatment of COVID-19 in vivo and in vitro.

Baicalein is the main active compound of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a medicinal herb with multiple pharmacological activities, including the broad anti-virus effects. In this paper, the preclinical study of baicalein on the treatment of COVID-19 was performed. Results showed that baicalein inhibited cell damage induced by SARS-CoV-2 and improved the morphology of Vero E6 cells at a concentration of 0.1 µM and above. The effective concentration could be reached after oral administration of 200 mg/kg crystal form ß of baicalein in rats. Furthermore, baicalein significantly inhibited the body weight loss, the replication of the virus, and relieved the lesions of lung tissue in hACE2 transgenic mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. In LPS-induced acute lung injury of mice, baicalein improved the respiratory function, inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung, and decreased the levels of IL-1ß and TNF-α in serum. In conclusion, oral administration of crystal form ß of baicalein could reach its effective concentration against SARS-CoV-2. Baicalein could inhibit SARS-CoV-2-induced injury both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, baicalein might be a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of COVID-19.

[Animal model analysis of knee osteoarthritis based on clinical characteristics of Chinese and Western medicine].

Knee osteoarthritis(KOA) is a common orthopedic disease. Its main symptoms include pain in the medial knee, aggravated knee pain during walking, limited movement, and joint deformity, which seriously affect the daily life of patients. The replication of animal models consistent with clinical symptoms is the premise of KOA-related experimental research. Based on the clinical characteristics of KOA and Western medicine, this paper discusses the existing KOA animal model, and analyzes the clinical anastomosis of the existing model based on the clinical diagnostic criteria of KOA. Through analysis and comparison, it can be seen that most of the existing modeling methods are single-factor animal models, which have a certain gap with the characteristics of KOA caused by clinical multi-factors and interaction. Moreover, modeling methods are mostly guided by Western medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine pathogenic factors are absent in the modeling process. Only cold stimulation method takes cold and wet into account. In the evaluation of the model, knee swelling, pain and articular rickets were the main evaluation criteria, which were different from the diagnostic criteria of Chinese and Western medicine in KOA. In terms of syndrome differentiation and classification, KOA is divided into kidney vacuity and deficiency of marrow, Yang vacuity and cold coagulation, and blood stasis and arrest in traditional Chinese medicine. The exis-ting animal models often confuse KOA with each other. Only cold stimulation method is used to establish KOA of Yang vacuity and cold coagulation. Therefore, in this paper, based on KOA clinical symptoms between Chinese and Western medicine features, analysis of the existing animal models, for further improving KOA animal models, the standardization of the model to evaluate suggestions, in order to improve the animal models and clinical inosculation between Chinese and Western medicine, the KOA animal model to better serve the scientific research work, promote the related mechanism, pathological changes and drug screening.

Effects of Portulaca Oleracea Extract on Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury of Rats.

The present study was envisaged to investigate the chemical constituents and the intervention effects of Portulaca oleracea extract (POE) on acute alcoholic liver injury of rats. The chemical composition of POE was detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: Normal control (NC) group, acute alcoholic liver injury model group (ALI), low, medium and high dose of POE (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) groups and bifendate (BF, 3.75 mg/kg) group. Each group was given by intragastrical administration for 7 days. Alcoholic liver injury was induced in the experimental model by administering 50% ethanol at 8 mL/kg and repeated administration after 6 h, for a period of 7 days. The results showed that pretreatment with POE significantly reduced the ethanol-elevated serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and triglyceride (TG). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in liver were enhanced followed by administration of POE, while the content of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was found to decrease. Hepatic content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was also reduced by POE treatment. These results indicated that POE could increase the antioxidant capacity and relieve the inflammatory injury of the liver cells induced by ethanol. Meanwhile, in our study, POE reduced the expression of miR-122, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) 1 mRNA and protein and increased the expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA and protein in liver, which indicated that POE could improve the lipid metabolism disorder induced by ethanol. Our findings suggested that POE had protective effects on acute alcoholic liver injury of rats.

[Study on function evaluation of health food containing Chinese materia medica based on data mining].

Homology of medicine and food is an important content in Chinese medicine and also works as the basis for guiding the development of compound health food containing Chinese materia medica. The top products,supplements,health care prescriptions,and medicinal meals in traditional herbal texts are the theoretical treasures of Chinese medicine compound health foods. With the implementation of the National Healthy China 2030,China's major health industry faces with tremendous opportunities. It is necessary to develop a batch of compound health food containing Chinese materia medica with Chinese medicine characteristics,in line with the needs of the country and society. Domestic research on compound health food containing Chinese materia medica mainly focuses on the extraction of functional components,preparation molding processes,quality standards,and efficacy evaluation. However,there are still some deficiencies in the related characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory and function,evaluation criteria of efficacy and safety,new product R&D evaluation system and R&D platform. Based on a large number of previous studies by this laboratory,the views in nature,flavor and efficacy relationship were put forward in this paper. Based on the establishment of the Chinese medicine function-pharmacology-clinical application database system,the Chinese medicine compatibility database system,the Chinese medicine nature and flavor modern research database system,and the evaluation platform for animal models of Chinese medicine; the efficacy study,safety evaluation system,new product research and development evaluation system as well as research and development platform were established,providing a basis for the development and evaluation of compound health food containing Chinese materia medica. The modern scientific connotation of the core efficacy of compound health food containing Chinese materia medica was explained as well,helpful to promote the research and development of compound health food containing Chinese materia medica and play an important role in general health.

Study on neuroendocrine-immune function of Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Desertliving Cistanche herb in perimenopausal rat model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Desertliving Cistanche herb was first recorded in "Shen Nong'Herbal Classic" and listed as the top grade herbal medicine in it. Phenylethanoid glycosides are indicative components for identification and content determination of Desertliving Cistanche herb in Chinese pharmacopoeia, which is also one of the main active components. In this research, we explored the mechanism of phenylethanoid glycosides of Desertliving Cistanche herb to the perimenopausal model rats. AIM: The purpose of this study is to research the effects of phenylethanoid glycosides of Desertliving Cistanche herb (PGC) on the neuroendocrine-immune function of perimenopausal syndrome by perimenopausal model rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar female rats were selected. The left ovaries for all rats except in the blank control group(BC) were removed, and the right ovaries were removed in 80%. The vaginal smear showed irregular estrous cycle changes for the perimenopausal model rats. And the perimenopausal model rats were gavaged Gengnian'an, Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Desertliving Cistanche herb high, medium, low suspension which is 450mg/(kg day), 133.33mg/(kg day), 66.67mg/(kg day), 33.33mg/(kg day); the group of BC and model group (MC)were given distilled water in the same volume as the drugs group for 30 consecutive days. Horizontal-vertical exercise scores were measured at 29 days of dosing. After the last administration, the blood was taken from the abdominal aorta, and levels of E2, LH, FSH, GnRH, BGP in serum, and the levels ß-EP in plasma were measured respective. Organ indexes of thymus, spleen, and uterus were calculated. The content of estrogen receptor (ER) in the hypothalamic, pituitary and uterus tissues and the content of androgen receptor (AR) in the hypothalamic homogenate were measured. The pathological changes of the thymus, spleen, uterus, ovary were observed by HE staining. RESULTS: Compared with MC, PGC increase the activity, the organ index (thymus, spleen, uterus), E2, T, BGP level in serum, ß-EP level in plasma, AR level in hypothalamus, ER level in hypothalamus, pituitary, uterus in perimenopausal model rats. And it also reduced FSH, LH, GnRH level in serum, and improved uterine and ovarian lesions in perimenopausal model rats. CONCLUSION: Each dose of PCG could counteract the disorder of sex hormone in perimenopausal model rats, correct the imbalance of ER and AR level, enhance and restore the effect of uterus and the nerve cells of hypothalamic, and improve immune function.

[Analysis of eczema animal model based on clinical characteristics].

The coincidence of the existing eczema animal model and the clinical characteristics of eczema, and the application characteristics of eczema animal model were analyzed, and the evaluation method and improvement method of corresponding eczema animal model was put forward. Based on the clinical diagnostic criteria of eczema of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine, the characteristics of current eczema model and the modeling method were summarized, and the anastomosis situations between the existing animal model and the eczema clinical characteristics were analyzed. At present, the back eczema models of mice have been usually used, which reflected the pathophysiological characteristics of clinical eczema to a certain degree. However, the existing animal models fail to reflect the clinical characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine. Future studies focused on establishing animal models that better reflect the clinical characteristics of eczema and the index system of eczema model.

Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Cistanche on menopausal syndrome model in mice.

Cistanche is the traditional and precious Chinese herbal, with two thousand years of use history in China. It has the effect on tonifying kidney, strong supplement to the liver and kidney, and replenishing essence and blood, known as the "desert ginseng". Here, we explored the mechanism of Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Cistanche (PGC) to the model mice of menopausal syndrome, as well as the therapeutic effect and characteristics of PGC to the menopausal syndrome. In this study, KM mice were reproduced by the complete resection of the ovaries on both sides of the back to establish the model mice of menopausal syndrome (MPS), and received distilled water or drugs, respectively. Model mice received distilled water. Mice received 200 mg/(kg day) high doses of Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Cistanche (HPGC), and 100 mg/(kg day) medium doses of Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Cistanche (MPGC), and 50 mg/(kg day) low doses of Phenylethanoid Glycosides of Cistanche (LPGC). After 21 days, it could determine the number of independent activities and the number of standing, the latent period of first entering the dark room, and the electric number. It also calculated the viscera index of uterus, thymus, spleen, measured the levels of estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the serum. Furthermore, it observed the pathological changes of uterus, thymus, spleen and pituitary of mice. The results showed that behavioral indicators: Compared with the model group (MG), HPGC, MPGC, LPGC could increase the independent activities (P < 0.01); HPGC, MPGC could increase the number of standing, the latent period of first entering the dark room, and reduce the electric number (P < 0.01); LPGC could increase the number of standing (P < 0.05); Viscera index: Compared with MG, HPGC, MPGC could increase the viscera index of uterus, thymus, spleen (P < 0.01); LPGC could increase the viscera index of uterus (P < 0.05); Serum index: Compared with MG, all groups could decrease the levels of LH in the serum (P < 0.01); HPGC, MPGC could improve the levels of E2, T and decrease the levels of LH, FSH in the serum (P < 0.01); LPGC could improve the levels of E2 and decrease the levels of FSH in the serum (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, it had the trend to improve the levels of T in the serum. Pathological changes: Compared with MG, HPGC could significant improve the pathological changes of uterus, thymus, spleen and pituitary of mice; other groups also has a certain effect. The results indicated that PGC could improve the sex hormone disorder of MPS, and restore the function of uterus, thymus and spleen, with better therapeutic effect on MPS.

[Clinical study on aconite prescriptions with incompatible herbs in different areas based on association rules and analysis on compatibility features].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the current application and features of Aconite prescriptions with incompatible herbs in grade A class three hospitals in east China and central China through a clinical study and comparative analysis. METHOD: Clinical prescriptions containing Aconite with incompatible herbs were collected. Association rules were utilized to analyze the compatible features of these herbs. RESULT: This analysis found that the frequently used incompatible herba; pairs are Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Pinelliae Rhizoma, with the support rate of 44.45%, occupying nearly half of the surveyed prescriptions; Pinelliae Rhizoma is the most frequently used herb in the two areas, with support rate up to 76.24%. Among the top 10 herbal pairs in the support rate, except for Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Pinelliae Rhizoma, the top 10 herbs in Central China were mostly for warming the middle jiao and tonifying qi, such as Zingiberis Rhizoma, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Codonopsis Radix; Whereas those in east China were mostly for activating and nourishing blood, such as Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Among the top 10 herbal pairs in the support rate, except for Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Pinelliae Rhizoma, the core herbal pairs applied in central China were mainly for resolving phlegm and warming the middle jiao, such as Pinelliae Rhizoma-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Pinelliae Rhizoma-Zingiberis Rhizoma; Whereas those in east China were principally for activating blood and tonifying qi, like Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Pinelliae Rhizoma. Among the core herbal groups in the two areas, the most frequently used herbal groups in the two areas are Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma with the support rate of 59.73%, accounting for the highest proportion among all of herbal groups. CONCLUSION: There are the combined clinical application of Aconite with incompatible herbs, mostly with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Pinelliae Rhizoma, but with differences in the combined application in east China and central China.