Comprehensive Analysis of 11 Species of Euodia (Rutaceae) by Untargeted LC-IT-TOF/MS Metabolomics and In Vitro Functional Methods.

The Euodia genus comprises numerous untapped medicinal plants that warrant thorough evaluation for their potential as valuable natural sources of herbal medicine or food flavorings. In this study, untargeted metabolomics and in vitro functional methods were employed to analyze fruit extracts from 11 significant species of the Euodia genus. An investigation of the distribution of metabolites (quinolone and indole quinazoline alkaloids) in these species indicated that E. rutaecarpa (Euodia rutaecarpa) was the most widely distributed species, followed by E. compacta (Euodia compacta), E. glabrifolia (Euodia glabrifolia), E. austrosinensis (Euodia austrosinensis), and E. fargesii (Euodia fargesii). There have been reports on the close correlation between indole quinazoline alkaloids and their anti-tumor activity, especially in E. rutaecarpa fruits which exhibit effectiveness against various types of cancer, such as SGC-7901, Hela, A549, and other cancer cell lines. Additionally, the E. rutaecarpa plant contains indole quinazoline alkaloids, which possess remarkable antibacterial properties. Our results offer novel insights into the utilization of Euodia resources in the pharmaceutical industry.

A comprehensive quality evaluation strategy of Shensong Yangxin capsules based on qualitative, fingerprint and quantitative analyses.

Shensong Yangxin capsule (SSYXC), an effective Chinese patent medicine, has been recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, mainly for the treatment of coronary heart disease and ventricular premature beat. To further complete the quality evaluation of SSYXC, a comprehensive analysis strategy was established. Firstly, the components of SSYXC were qualitatively analysed using ultra-high- performance liquid chromatography-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. A total of 134 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized. Additionally, the fingerprint of SSYXC was established by HPLC, and the similarity of 10 batches of SSYXC was elucidated by similarity analysis. The result indicated that the consistency of chemical composition is good. Finally, to enhance the quality control of SSYXC, according to the results of the fingerprint analysis, the contents of the seven active components was determined, comprising morroniside, loganin, paeoniflorin, salvianolic acid B, palmatine hydrochloride, berberine hydrochloride and tanshinone IIA. In conclusion, the established method, comprising identification of components, fingerprint analysis and quantification of multicomponents, can be sensitively and comprehensively applied to the quality evaluation of SSYXC, which can provide chemical ingredients bases for quality control and the pharmacodynamic mechanism of SSYXC, which could serve as a benchmark for controlling the quality of other Chinese patent medicines.

Bile acids metabolism involved in the beneficial effects of Danggui Shaoyao San via gut microbiota in the treatment of CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Danggui Shaoyao San (DSS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) first recorded in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber. DSS has proven efficacy in treating hepatic fibrosis (HF). However, the effects and mechanisms of DSS on HF are not clear. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the effect of DSS on HF via gut microbiota and its metabolites (SCFAs, BAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HF rats were induced with CCl4 and treated with DSS. Firstly, the therapeutic efficacy of DSS in HF rats and the protection of gut barrier were assessed. Then, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted fecal metabolomics preliminarily explored the mechanism of DSS in treating HF, and identified different microbiota and metabolic pathways. Finally, targeted metabolomics and RT-qPCR were used to further validate the mechanism of DSS for HF based on the metabolism of SCFAs and BAs. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of administration, DSS significantly reduced the degree of HF. In addition, DSS alleviated inflammation in the ileum and reduced the levels of LPS and D-lactate. Furthermore, DSS altered the structure of gut microbiota, especially Veillonella, Romboutsia, Monoglobus, Parabacteroides, norank_f_Coriobacteriales_Incertae_Sedis. These bacteria have been linked to the production of SCFAs and the metabolism of BAs. Untargeted metabolomics suggested that DSS may play a role via BAs metabolism. Subsequently, targeted metabolomics and RT-qPCR further confirmed the key role of DSS in increasing SCFAs levels and regulating BAs metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: DSS can alleviate CCl4-induced HF and protect the gut barrier. DSS may exert its beneficial effects on HF by affecting the gut microbiota and its metabolites (SCFAs, BAs).

The Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism of miR-27a rs895819 and the Expression of miR-27a in Helicobacter pylori-Related Diseases and the Correlation with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome.

Aims: The study aims to explore the effects of the single-nucleotide polymorphism of miR-27a and its expression in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-related diseases and the relationship between gastric pathology and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods: Subjects were classified into six histopathological groups and five TCM syndrome groups. All specimens underwent H. pylori detection through rapid urease test and methylene blue staining. Histopathological characteristics were observed by hematoxylin-eosin. The expression of miR-27a and its genotype were, respectively, detected by Quantitative Real-Time PCR and direct sequencing. Results: H. pylori promoted the malignant evolution of gastric mucosa and were involved in the formation of TCM syndrome. In H. pylori-positive patients, the frequency of miR-27a CT genotype at the rs895819 locus and its expression in the gastric cancer group were higher than those in other pathological groups. TCM syndrome had a close relationship with histopathological changes, and patients with spleen-qi deficiency syndrome had a higher risk of gastric cancer than other syndromes, regardless of H. pylori infection. Conclusion: The C allele at miR-27a rs895819 locus may be an oncogene in gastric cancer. High levels of miR-27a could play an important role in gastric malignant evolution, especially cancerization. There is a certain connection between TCM syndrome and pathological changes of the gastric mucosa to some extent, where patients with SQD syndrome had a higher risk of GC.

[Shenling Baizhu Powder alleviates chronic inflammation to prevent type 2 diabetes of ZDF rats via intestinal flora].

This study explored the mechanism of Shenling Baizhu Powder(SLBZP) in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes from the perspective of flora disorder and chronic inflammation. Fifty rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, low-dose SLBZP group, medium-dose SLBZP group, and high-dose SLBZP group, with 10 rats in each group. The rats of 5 weeks old were administrated by gavage with ultrapure water and different doses of SLBZP decoction. The basic indicators such as body weight and blood glucose were monitored every week, and stool and intestinal contents were collected from the rats of 9 weeks old for 16 S rRNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum biochemical indicators, ELISA to measure serum insulin, and chipsets to measure leptin and inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that SLBZP reduced the body weight as well as blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid levels. In the rats of 9 weeks, the relative abundance of Anaerostipes, Turicibacter, Bilophila, Ochrobactrum, Acinetobacter, and Prevotella decreased significantly in the model control group, which can be increased in the high-dose SLBZP group; the relative abundance of Psychrobacter, Lactobacillus, Roseburia and Staphylococcus significantly increased in the model control group, which can be down-regulated in the high-dose SLBZP group. The differential metabolites of intestinal flora included 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid, phenylpyruvic acid, octanoic acid, 3-indolepropionic acid, oxoglutaric acid, malonic acid, 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, and methylmalonic acid. Moreover, SLBZP significantly lowered the levels of free insulin, insulin resistance and leptin resistance in rats. The variations in the serum levels of interleukin 1ß(IL-1ß) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) showed that SLBZP could alleviate chronic inflammation in rats. In conclusion, SLBZP can regulate intestinal flora and metabolites and relieve chronic inflammation to control obesity and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Effective substance and mechanism of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract in treatment of insomnia based on serum metabolomics and network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to study the effective substance and mechanism of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract in the treatment of insomnia based on serum metabolomics and network pharmacology. The rat insomnia model induced by p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA) was established. After oral administration of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract, the general morphological observation, pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test, and histopathological evaluation were carried out. The potential biomarkers of the extract in the treatment of insomnia were screened by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS) combined with multivariate analysis, and the related metabolic pathways were further analyzed. The "component-target-pathway" network was constructed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Exactive mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS) combined with network pharmacology to explore the effective substances and mechanism of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen in the treatment of insomnia. The results of pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test and histopathological evaluation(hematoxylin and eosin staining) showed that Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract had good theraputic effect on insomnia. A total of 21 endogenous biomarkers of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract in the treatment of insomnia were screened out by serum metabolomics, and the metabolic pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism were obtained. A total of 34 chemical constituents were identified by UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS, including 24 flavonoids, 2 triterpenoid saponins, 4 alkaloids, 2 triterpenoid acids, and 2 fatty acids. The network pharmacological analysis showed that Ziziphi Spinosae Semen mainly acted on target proteins such as dopamine D2 receptor(DRD2), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1 A(HTR1 A), and alpha-2 A adrenergic receptor(ADRA2 A) in the treatment of insomnia. It was closely related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, serotonergic synapse, and calcium signaling pathway. Magnoflorine, N-nornuciferine, caaverine, oleic acid, palmitic acid, coclaurine, betulinic acid, and ceanothic acid in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen may be potential effective compounds in the treatment of insomnia. This study revealed that Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract treated insomnia through multiple metabolic pathways and the overall correction of metabolic disorder profile in a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel manner. Briefly, this study lays a foundation for further research on the mechanism of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen in treating insomnia and provides support for the development of innovative Chinese drugs for the treatment of insomnia.

Antibacterial Activity Prediction Model of Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Combined Data-Driven Approach and Machine Learning Algorithm: Constructed and Validated.

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), as a unique natural medicine resource, were used to prevent and treat bacterial diseases in China with a long history. To provide a prediction model of screening antibacterial TCMs for the design and discovery of novel antibacterial agents, the literature about antibacterial TCMs in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science database was retrieved. The data were extracted and standardized. A total of 28,786 pieces of data from 904 antibacterial TCMs were collected. The data of plant medicine were the most numerous. The result of association rules mining showed a high correlation between antibacterial activity with cold nature, bitter and sour tastes, hemostatic, and purging fire efficacies. Moreover, TCMs with antibacterial activity showed a specific aggregation in the phylogenetic tree; 92% of them came from Tracheophyta, of which 74% were mainly concentrated in rosids, asterids, Liliopsida, and Ranunculales. The prediction models of anti-Escherichia coli and anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity, with AUC values (the area under the ROC curve) of 77.5 and 80.0%, respectively, were constructed by the Neural Networks (NN) algorithm after Bagged Classification and Regression Tree (Bagged CART) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) selection. The in vitro experimental results showed the prediction accuracy of these two models was 75 and 60%, respectively. Four TCMs (Cirsii Japonici Herba Carbonisata, Changii Radix, Swertiae Herba, Callicarpae Formosanae Folium) were proposed for the first time to show antibacterial activity against E. coli and/or S. aureus. The results implied that the prediction model of antibacterial activity of TCMs based on properties and families showed certain prediction ability, which was of great significance to the screening of antibacterial TCMs and can be used to discover novel antibacterial agents.

Molecular-networking-guided discovery of species-specific markers for discriminating five medicinal Paris herbs.

BACKGROUND: Paridis Rhizoma (PR) is a famous traditional herbal medicine. Apart from two officially recorded species, viz. Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand. - Mazz. (PPY) and P. polyphylla Smith var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara (PPC), there are still many other species used as folk medicine. It is necessary to understand the metabolic differences among Paris species. PURPOSE: To establish a strategy that can discover species-specific steroidal saponin markers to distinguish closely-related Paris herbs for quality and safety control. METHODS: A new strategy of molecular-networking-guided discovery of species-specific markers was proposed. Firstly, the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) was applied to obtain the MS and MS/MS data of all samples. Then, molecular networking (MN) was created using MS/MS data to prescreen the steroidal saponins for subsequent analysis. Next, the principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were established to discover potential markers. Finally, the verification, identification and distribution of chemical markers were performed. RESULTS: A total of 126 steroidal saponins were screened out from five species using MN. Five species were classified successfully by OPLS-DA model, and 18 species-specific markers were discovered combining the variable importance in the projection (VIP) value, P value (one-way ANOVA) and their relative abundance. These markers could predict the species of Paris herbs correctly. CONCLUSION: These results revealed that this new strategy could be an efficient way for chemical discrimination of medicinal herbs with close genetic relationship.

Interaction of Cyclooxygenase-2 with Helicobacter pylori Induces Gastric Chronic Nonresolving Inflammation and the Formation of Syndrome of Internal Block of Static Blood in Helicobacter pylori-Related Gastric Diseases.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme stimulated by various inflammatory factors (IFs). Chronic gastritis is a classic model of "inflammation-cancer transformation" and Helicobacter pylori-related gastric diseases (HPGD) are specific ones of this model. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes could play a predictive role in gastric histopathological evolution. To search for early warning evidence about "inflammation-cancer transformation," this study is about to explore interaction of COX-2 with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in HPGD with different TCM syndromes. All included subjects underwent endoscopy and biopsy. Hp infection was detected by rapid urease test and methylene blue staining. Histopathological characteristics and COX-2 expression in gastric mucosa (GM) were, respectively, observed by hematoxylin-eosin and Elivision™ plus. SPSS 18.0 and Stata 11.0 statistical software packages were used for statistical analysis. Results of immunohistochemical staining in this study showed COX-2 expression in Hp-positive patients was stronger than that in Hp-negative ones. Spearman' analysis indicated that degrees of both Hp infection and COX-2 expression were positively correlated with those of gastric inflammation and inflammatory activity. Compared with the relative normal group, both severe dysplasia group and gastric carcinoma group had more severe Hp infection and COX-2 expression. Compared with the nonsyndrome, syndrome of internal block of static blood (IBSB) had higher scores in semiquantitative analysis of COX-2 protein expression among TCM groups. Moreover, multivariate logistics regression analysis suggested that patients with Hp infection could increase the risk of IBSB. These results indicated that COX-2 interacting with Hp could play an important role in transforming gastric chronic nonresolving inflammation into carcinoma in subjects with HPGD, as well as inducing the formation of IBSB. HPGD together with IBSB could be an early warning evidence for GM with histopathological evolution from benign to malignant.

The effect of total lignans from Fructus Arctii on Streptozotocin-induced diabetic retinopathy in Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fructus Arctii is the dried ripe fruit of Arctium lappa L. (family Asteraceae). It is a well-known Chinese Materia Medica that was included in the Chinese pharmacopoeia because of its traditional therapeutic actions, such as heat removal, detoxification, and elimination of swelling. Since ancient times Fructus Arctii has been used extensively in a number of classical drug formulas to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that certain components of Fructus Arctii have multiple physiological activities on type 2 diabetes and its complications. AIM OF THE STUDY: We have reported the inhibitory effect of total lignans from Fructus Arctii (TLFA) on aldose reductase, the key enzyme in the polyol pathway, which is considered to be closely related to the onset of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The present study aimed to observe the preventive and therapeutic effects of TLFA on DR in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TLFA was prepared from Fructus Arctii and its content was determined using UV spectrophotometry. The DR model was induced by STZ in Wistar rats. For DR prevention, the animals were gavaged once daily for 9 weeks with TLFA (1.38, 0.69, and 0.35 g/kg/day) as soon as they were confirmed as diabetes models. Pathological changes to retinal tissues and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and protein kinase C (PKC) in the retina were detected after TLFA treatment. The effects of TLFA on blood glucose levels and body weight were also observed. For DR treatment, the animals were gavaged once daily for 12 weeks with TLFA (1.38 and 0.69 g/kg/day) at 3 months after they were confirmed as diabetes models. The therapeutic effect was studied using quantitative detection of blood-retina barrier (BRB) breakdown via an Evans Blue leakage assay. RESULTS: For DR prevention, after 9 weeks of TLFA administration, histopathological examination of retinal tissue showed that TLFA improved the lesions in the retina. Changes to retinal microstructures such as capillaries, ganglion cells, bipolar cells, and the membrane disk examined by electron microscopy further confirmed that TLFA has a preventive effect on retinopathy. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) detection showed that TLFA could inhibit retinal cell apoptosis in the diabetic rats, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels of rats in the TLFA-treated groups decreased during the experiment. For DR treatment, after 3 months of administration, the amount of dye leakage in the TLFA-administered groups was reduced by more than 50% compared with that in the model group, which indicated that TLFA has a therapeutic effect on middle and late DR. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of VEGF and PKCß2 in the retina detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (FQ-RT-PCR) showed that TLFA could inhibit the expression of them, which was consistent with the results of immunohistochemistry (IHC). CONCLUSION: TLFA has a preventive and therapeutic effect on DR. Its mechanism of action on DR is related to inhibiting PKC activation and blocking VEGF elevation.

Efficacy of Jianpi Liqi therapy for functional dyspepsia: A meta-analysis of randomized, positive medicine-controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: We performed this meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of Jianpi Liqi therapy (JLT), a traditional Chinese medicine therapy, in treating functional dyspepsia (FD). METHODS: We systematically searched 13 databases from their inception to 15th, May 2019. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared JLT medicine with conventional pharmacotherapy (CP) in treating patients with FD. Cochrane Collaboration tool, Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 11.0, GRADE profiler 3.6 were used for evaluating risk of bias, analyzing, and assessing quality of evidence respectively. RESULTS: After exclusions, 15 RCTs including a total of 1451 participants were included for analysis. We found evidence that JLT had better efficacy than CP (domperidone, omeprazole, esomeprazole, mosapride, lansoprazole, compound digestive enzymes, lactasin tablets) for FD (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.26, 0.45; P < .00001). Moreover, JLT had more improvement on symptoms including abdominal pain, abdominal distention, early satiety, belching, poor appetite, and fatigue compared with CP. In addition, serious adverse events were not observed in treatment courses. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that JLT appears to have better efficacy in treating FD compared with CP. It may be an effective and safe therapy option for patients with FD. Though, more large-sample and strictly designed RCTs are needed to confirm our findings.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019133241.

[Anti-tumor and immune-modulating effect of Jiawei Sijunzi decoction in mice bearing hepatoma H22 tumor].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antitumor activity of Jiawei Sijunzi decoction and study its liver and kidney toxicity and its effect on the immune system in a tumor-bearing mouse model. METHODS: Hepatoma H22 tumor-bearing mouse models were randomized into model group, cyclophosphamide (CTX) group, and low-, moderate-, and high-dose Jiawei Sijunzi decoction groups (JW-L, JW-M, and JW-H groups, respectively). The antitumor activity of Jiawei Sijunzi decoction was assessed by calculating the tumor inhibition rate and pathological observation of the tumor tissues. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase-3 in the tumors. The liver and kidney toxicity of Jiawei Sijunzi decoction was analyzed by evaluating the biochemical indicators of liver and kidney functions. The immune function of the tumor-bearing mice were assessed by calculating the immune organ index, testing peripheral blood routines, and detection of serum IL-2 and TNF-α levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Compared with that in the model group, the tumor mass in CTX, JW-M and JW-H groups were all significantly reduced (P < 0.05) with cell rupture and necrosis in the tumors. Immunohistochemistry revealed obviously up-regulated expressions of Bax and caspase-3 and down- regulated expression of Bcl-2 protein with an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in CTX, JW-M and JW-H groups. Treatment with Jiawei Sijunzi decoction significantly reduced Cr, BUN, AST and ALT levels, improved the immune organ index, increased peripheral blood leukocytes, erythrocytes and hemoglobin levels, and up-regulated the levels of TNF-α and IL-2 in the tumor-bearing mice. These changes were especially significant in JW-H group when compared with the parameters in the model group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Jiawei Sijunzi decoction has a strong anti-tumor activity and can improve the liver and kidney functions of tumor-bearing mice. Its anti-tumor effect may be attributed to the up-regulation of Bax, caspase-3, TNF-α and IL-2 levels and the down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression as well as the enhancement of the non-specific immune function.

Two new polyketides from the roots of Stemona tuberosa.

Two polyketides, stemonones A (1) and B (2) with new skeletons, were isolated from the roots of Stemona tuberosa. Their absolute structures were fully characterized by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison of experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra with calculated ones. The plausible biosynthetic pathways for 1 and 2 were also proposed. Anti-inflammatory assay confirmed that the two compounds showed moderate inhibitory effects on ß-glucuronidase release in rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) induced by platelet-activating factor.

Efficacy and safety of Modified Tongxie Yaofang in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome management: A meta-analysis of randomized, positive medicine-controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Modified Tongxie Yaofang (M-TXYF) for the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). METHOD: Electronic databases including PubMed, Springer Link, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM), Wanfang, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP) were conducted from their inception through May 11, 2017 without language restrictions. Primary and secondary outcomes were estimated by 95% confidence intervals (CI). RevMan 5.3 and the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool were analyzed for this meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-three literatures with a total of 1972 patients were included for the meta-analysis. The overall risk of bias evaluation was low. The pooled odds ratio showed that M-TXYF was significantly superior to routine pharmacotherapies (RP) in clinical therapeutic efficacy (OR 4.04, 95% CI 3.09, 5.27, P < 0.00001, therapeutic gain = 17.6%, number needed to treat (NNT) = 5.7). Moreover, compared with RP, M-TXYF showed that it can significantly reduce the scores of abdominal pain (standardized mean difference (SMD) -1.27; 95% CI -1.99, -0.56; P = 0.0005), abdominal distention (SMD -0.37; 95% CI -0.73, -0.01; P = 0.09), diarrhea (SMD -1.10; 95% CI -1.95, -0.25; P = 0.01), and frequency of defecation (SMD -1.42; 95% CI -2.19, -0.65; P = 0.0003). The differences of the adverse events between experiment and control groups had no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicated that M-TXYF could be a promising Chinese herbal formula in treating IBS-D. However, considering the lack of higher quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), highly believable evidences should be required.

The efficacy of Jianpi Yiqi therapy for chronic atrophic gastritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Jianpi Yiqi therapy (JYT) is a classical therapy in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), but the clinical effects of it are still contentious. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of JYT for CAG. Seven electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Springer Link, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chinese Scientific Journals Database), Wan-fang database, and CBM (Chinese Biomedicine Database) were searched from their inception to November 1, 2016. 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1119 participants were identified for analysis. Meta-analyses demonstrated that both JYT (RR 1.41; 95% CI 1.27, 1.57; P < 0.00001) and JYT + western medicine (RR 1.27; 95% CI 1.17, 1.38; P < 0.00001) were more efficacious than only western medicine. Furthermore, JYT had potential improvement on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms scores such as stomachache, stomach distention, belching, fatigue, et al. In addition, no serious adverse events were reported in the selected trials. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool was evaluated for the weaknesses of methodological quality, while the quality level of Grades of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence classification indicated "Very low". This meta-analysis indicates that JYT may have potential effects on the treatment of patients with CAG. However, due to limitations of methodological quality and small sample size of the included studies, further standardized research of rigorous design should be needed.

Diterpenoids from the twigs and leaves of Croton caudatus var. tomentosus.

One new 9,10-seco-abietane derivative, crotontomentosin A (1), four new abietane-type diterpenoids, crotontomentosins B-E (2-5), one new ent-halimane-type diterpenoid, crotontomentosin F (6), along with five known diterpenoids (7-11) and one known sesquiterpenoid (12) were obtained from the twigs and leaves of Croton caudatus Geisel. var. tomentosus Hook. The structures of the compounds were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic data. Compounds 1-4 and 11 exhibited moderate to weak inhibitory activity against the proliferation of the Hela, Hep G2, MDA-MB-231, or A549 cell lines selectively.

[Spectrometric determination of trace elements in anticancer new medicine Fagopyrum dibotrys].

The golden buckwheat Fagopyrum dibotrys produced in Yunnan has a unique anti-cancer effects. It is a main raw material of "Wei Mai ning" capsules which is the national second-class anti-cancer drug. The present paper used (5 : 1) mixed acid as digestive juice to process the sample, and determine the twelve elements including K, Ca, Cu, Na, Mg, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd and Co in the Fagopyrum dibotrys by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry(ICP-AES). The detection limits of this method were 0.017-0.084 microg x mL(-1), the RSDs (n = 8) were all 0.09%-1.87%, and the addition standard recoveries(ASR) (n = 8) were 98.2%-107.4% for all elements. The research results showed that there is rich K(1 477.3 microg x g(-1)) in the Fagopyrum dibotrys, there are not harmful elements Cd and Pb, and this result is mainly related to the geochemistry background where the sample lived. The contents of seven remaining kinds of elements ranked as Na (826.1) > Ca (765.2 > Mg (493.4) > Zn (112.7) > Fe (56.5) > Cu (11.4) > Mn (4.49 microg x g(-1)). This result provides some theoretical basis for the study of internal relations between trace elements in Fagopyrum dibotrys and efficacy. It' s also useful for better development and utilization of the resource.