Previous studies have found that oxidative stress is the negative reaction of the imbalance between oxidation and antioxidation caused by free radicals, and it is the fuse of aging and many diseases. Scavenging the accumulation of free radicals in the body and inhibiting the production of free radicals are effective ways to reduce the occurrence of oxidative stress. In recent years, studies have found that oxidative stress has other effects on the body, such as anti-tumour. In this paper, the targets related to anti-oxidative stress were introduced, and they were divided into nuclear transcription factors, enzymes, solute carrier family 7, member 11 (SLC7A11) genes and iron death, ion channels, molecular chaperones, small molecules according to their different functions. In addition, we introduce the research status of agonists/inhibitors related to these targets, so as to provide some reference for the follow-up research and clinical application of anti-oxidative stress drugs.

In recent years, pneumonia caused by multiple viruses has posed a significant threat to public health, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Current treatments primarily focused on antiviral medications, lacking “miracle cure” and innovative approaches for the pathological damage caused by viruses. Since 2019, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown remarkable efficacy in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, the application is hindered by intricate mechanisms, variable quality, and slow onset. Clinically, Ge‐Gen Decoction (GGD) effectively reduced the severity in patients with viral infections. Taking COVID‐19 as a case, the bioactive ingredients from GGD: glabridin (GLA) and puerarin (PUE) are identified. Interestingly, it was discovered that PUE can self‐assemble into a 3D hydrogel structure upon heating and cooling, namely PUE@gel. This process mirrored the formation of gel‐like precipitates in GGD post‐decoction. Motivated by this phenomenon, a decoction‐mimicking drug delivery system, glabridin─puerarin self‐assembled hydrogel (GLA‐PUE@gel) was constructed, which exhibits strong anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, comparable to GGD at the same dosage. Additionally, PUE that has a high biosafety threshold can competitively bind to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cells, preventing SARS‐CoV‐2 from invading. This study offered a promising approach for treating virus‐induced lung injury.

The ring stain phenomenon is a critical hindrance to the distribution of the solute during drying for biochemical assays and materials deposition. Herein, we developed a substrate, characterized with hydrophilic spots surrounded by hydrophobic areas, to suppress the ring stain effect, and fabricated four kinds of patterned surfaces to investigate the relationship between the surface free energy and ring-suppressing performance. We found that during the evaporation process, a drop was constrained on the hydrophilic spot with a pinned contact line, and the ring stain effect was suppressed significantly. The suppressing performance of the ring stain effect increases with surface free energy differences between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Introduction. As a novel global epidemic, corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 brought great suffering and disaster to mankind. Recently, although significant progress has been made in vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, there are still no drugs for treating COVID-19. It is well known that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved excellent efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19 in China. As a treasure-house of natural drugs, Chinese herbs offer a promising prospect for discovering anti-COVID-19 drugs. Hypothesis/Gap Statement. We proposed that Rhei Radix et Rhizome−Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus (RS) may have potential value in the treatment of COVID-19 patients by regulating immune response, protecting the cardiovascular system, inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors, and blocking virus invasion and replication processes. Aim. We aimed to explore the feasibility and molecular mechanisms of RS against COVID-19, to provide a reference for basic research and clinical applications. Methodology. Through literature mining, it is found that a Chinese herbal pair, RS, has potential anti-COVID-19 activity. In this study, we analysed the feasibility of RS against COVID-19 by high-throughput molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, we predicted the molecular mechanisms of RS against COVID-19 based on network pharmacology. Results. We proved the feasibility of RS anti-COVID-19 by literature mining, virtual docking and molecular dynamics simulations, and found that angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and 3C-like protease (3 CL pro) were also two critical targets for RS against COVID-19. In addition, we predicted the molecular mechanisms of RS in the treatment of COVID-19, and identified 29 main ingredients, 21 potential targets and 16 signalling pathways. Rhein, eupatin, (-)-catechin, aloe-emodin may be important active ingredients in RS. ALB, ESR1, EGFR, HMOX1, CTSL, and RHOA may be important targets against COVID-19. Platelet activation, renin secretion, ras signalling pathway, chemokine signalling pathway, and human cytomegalovirus infection may be important signalling pathways against COVID-19. Conclusion. RS plays a key role in the treatment of COVID-19, which may be closely related to immune regulation, cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammation, virus invasion and replication processes.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant global health challenge, potentially leading to severe liver conditions, with currently limited effective treatment options available. Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang (XCHT), a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescription, shows promise in clinical trials for treating HBV. Therefore, screening the complex components of XCHT, identifying the active compounds, and closely exploring the targets associated with hepatitis B may constitute an effective strategy for the development of new therapeutic drugs for the treatment of this disease. A systematic pharmacology and GEO chip analysis identified key targets and pathways for hepatitis B treatment and effective ingredients. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation techniques were used to explore the affinity and stability of active compounds with core targets, while assessing the druggability and safety of the active compounds. The therapeutic effect of the active compound protoporphyrin in XCHT on hepatitis B were mediated through key targets such as AKT1, MAPK1, and LCK, as well as key signaling pathways like PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Ras signaling pathway. Protoporphyrin effectively bond to active pockets of core targets and demonstrated favorable druggability and a high safety threshold. The study provided valuable insights into the development of effective treatments for hepatitis B.