Refining the rheological characteristics of high drug loading ointment via SDS and machine learning.

This paper presents an optimized preparation process for external ointment using the Definitive Screening Design (DSD) method. The ointment is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula developed by Professor WYH, a renowned TCM practitioner in Jiangsu Province, China, known for its proven clinical efficacy. In this study, a stepwise regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between key process factors (such as mixing speed and time) and rheological parameters. Machine learning techniques, including Monte Carlo simulation, decision tree analysis, and Gaussian process, were used for parameter optimization. Through rigorous experimentation and verification, we have successfully identified the optimal preparation process for WYH ointment. The optimized parameters included drug ratio of 24.5%, mixing time of 8 min, mixing speed of 1175 rpm, petroleum dosage of 79 g, liquid paraffin dosage of 6.7 g. The final ointment formulation was prepared using method B. This research not only contributes to the optimization of the WYH ointment preparation process but also provides valuable insights and practical guidance for designing the preparation processes of other TCM ointments. This advanced DSD method enhances the screening approach for identifying the best preparation process, thereby improving the scientific rigor and quality of TCM ointment preparation processes.

Establishment of XRD fourier fingerprint identification method of realgar decoction pieces and its anti-tumor activity in tumor-in-situ transplanted mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Realgar, a traditional mineral Chinese medicine, has been used in China for more than 2000 years. It has been recorded in many ancient and modern works that it has anti-cancer and anti-tumor effects. Of course, colon cancer is also within the scope of its treatment. Realgar needs to be processed into realgar decoction pieces by water grinding before being used for medicine. To ensure the consistency of efficacy and quality of realgar decoction pieces, modern methods need to be used for further quality control. AIM OF THE STUDY: The research of traditional mineral Chinese medicine is relatively difficult, and the related research is less. The purpose of this study is to control the quality of realgar decoction pieces by modern analytical technology and analyze its components. On this basis, its anti-colon cancer activity was discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Several batches of realgar decoction pieces were analyzed by XRD, and the components of realgar decoction pieces were obtained. The quality control fingerprints of realgar decoction pieces were established by processing XRD spectra and similarity evaluation. Then, the effects of realgar decoction pieces on apoptosis of CT26 and HTC-116 cells were observed in vitro by Hoechst 33258 staining, flow cytometry, measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential and Western blot; In vivo, the mouse model of tumor-in-situ transplantation of colon cancer was established, and the related indexes were observed. RESULT: The explorations showed that the XRD Fourier fingerprints of realgar decoction pieces samples that had the same phase revealed 10 common peaks, respectively. The similarity evaluation of the established XRD Fourier fingerprint was greater than 0.900. We also demonstrated that realgar decoction pieces can promote apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth in colon cancer cells, its activating effect on p53 protein, and its safety when used within reasonable limits. CONCLUSION: The quality control of realgar decoction pieces by XRD is scientific and has the inhibitory effect on colon cancer, which has the development potential.

Huangqin decoction alleviates lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by triggering Sirt1/NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathological entity characterized by intrahepatic ectopic steatosis. As a consequence of increased consumption of high-calorie diet and adoption of a sedentary lifestyle, the incidence of NAFLD has surpassed that of viral hepatitis, making it the most common cause of chronic liver disease globally. Huangqin decoction (HQD), a Chinese medicinal formulation that has been used clinically for thousands of years, has beneficial outcomes in patients with liver diseases, including NAFLD. However, the role and mechanism of action of HQD in lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in NAFLD remain poorly understood. AIM: To evaluate the ameliorative effects of HQD in NAFLD, with a focus on lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action. METHODS: High-fat diet-induced NAFLD rats and palmitic acid (PA)-stimulated HepG2 cells were used to investigate the effects of HQD and identify its potential mechanism of action. Phytochemicals in HQD were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify the key components. RESULTS: Ten primary chemical components of HQD were identified by HPLC analysis. In vivo, HQD effectively prevented rats from gaining body and liver weight, improved the liver index, ameliorated hepatic histological aberrations, decreased transaminase and lipid profile disorders, and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors and insulin resistance. In vitro studies revealed that HQD effectively alleviated PA-induced lipid accumulation, inflammation, and insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. In-depth investigation revealed that HQD triggers Sirt1/NF-κB pathway-modulated lipogenesis and inflammation, contributing to its beneficial actions, which was further corroborated by the addition of the Sirt1 antagonist EX-527 that compromised the favorable effects of HQD. CONCLUSION: In summary, our study confirmed that HQD mitigates lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in NAFLD by triggering the Sirt1/NF-κB pathway.