Atractylodes macrocephala as a commonly used Chinese medicinal materials, its average annual demand is about 7000 tons. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and utilize Atractylodes macrocephala. Atractylodes macrocephala dispensing granules are widely favored by patients because of its accuracy and convenience in prescription formulation, but its quality control needs to be improved. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be used to separate the components of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing granules, and significantly improve the accuracy of measuring of effective component. Based on this, HPLC fingerprints of Atractylodis Macrocephalae and dispensing granules were established in this study. Taking the characteristic spectrum as the control, and evaluating the correlation of the medicinal materials and the formula granules. Analysis showed that Atractylodes macrocephala and formula granules showed 7 common characteristic peaks, presenting a good correlation. It reflected the overall appearance of multi-component of Atractylodes macrocephala and formula granules, and provided reference for quality control of Atractylodes macrocephala dispensing granules.

Bibenzyl compounds are one of the most important bioactive components of natural medicine. However, Dendrobium officinale as a traditional herbal medicine is rich in bibenzyl compounds and performs functions such as acting as an antioxidant, inhibiting cancer cell growth, and assisting in neuro-protection. The biosynthesis of bibenzyl products is regulated by bibenzyl synthase (BBS). In this study, we have cloned the cDNA gene of the bibenzyl synthase (DoBS1) from D. officinale using PCR with degenerate primers, and we have identified a novel type III polyketide synthase (PKS) gene by phylogenetic analyses. In a series of perfect experiments, DoBS1 was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and some catalytic properties of the recombinant protein were investigated. The molecular weight of the recombinant protein was verified to be approximately 42.7 kDa. An enzyme activity analysis indicated that the recombinant DoBS1-HisTag protein was capable of using 4-coumaryol-CoA and 3 malonyl-CoA as substrates for dihydroresveratrol (DHR) in vitro. The Vmax and Km of the recombinant protein for DHR were 3.57 ± 0.23 nmol·min⁻¹·mg⁻¹ and 0.30 ± 0.08 mmol, respectively. The present study provides further insights into the catalytic mechanism of the active site in the biosynthetic pathway for the catalytic production of dihydroresveratrol by bibenzylase in D. officinale. The results can be used to optimize a novel biosynthetic pathway for the industrial synthesis of DHR.

Background/Objectives: Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. (Miao Medicine: Diangd vob bvid), a medicinal plant with a long ethnopharmacological history in Southwest China, is widely used by the Miao, Li, and Zhuang ethnic groups to treat rheumatic diseases. While previous studies indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction of B. balsamifera (BBEA) possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties, its specific bioactive material basis and the underlying molecular mechanisms against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain elusive. Methods: In this study, an integrated strategy combining chemical profiling, network pharmacology, and experimental validation was employed. First, UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS analysis was conducted to characterize the chemical constituents of BBEA. Subsequently, network pharmacology and molecular docking were utilized to predict potential active compounds and core signaling pathways. Finally, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms were validated in vivo using a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model and in vitro using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Results: A total of 25 active constituents, including Genkwanin and Luteolin, were identified in BBEA via UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS. Network pharmacology analysis predicted that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is critical for BBEA’s anti-RA activity, and molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between key components (e.g., Genkwanin) and core targets (SRC, AKT1). In vivo experiments demonstrated that BBEA significantly reduced the Arthritis Index (AI) and paw swelling, reversed weight loss, and ameliorated synovial hyperplasia in CIA rats (p < 0.05). Furthermore, BBEA markedly downregulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17) both in serum and synovial tissues. Mechanistically, Western blot analysis verified that BBEA inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: This study systematically reveals that BBEA alleviates RA symptoms and synovial inflammation primarily by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional application of B. balsamifera and suggest BBEA as a promising candidate for RA therapy.

Background/Objectives: Recurrent oral ulceration (ROU) is the most prevalent disorder of the oral mucosa, affecting approximately 20% of the global population. Current therapies are limited by adverse effects and high recurrence rates. Ai-Fen, enriched in the anti-inflammatory monoterpenoid L-borneol (54.3% w/w), exhibits therapeutic potential but suffers from poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. This study aimed to improve the physicochemical properties and in vivo efficacy of Ai-Fen through the preparation of solid dispersions. Methods: Ai-Fen solid dispersions (AF-SD) were prepared by a melt-fusion method using polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) as the carrier. An L₉(3³) orthogonal design was employed to optimize three critical parameters: drug-to-carrier ratio, melting temperature, and melting duration. The resulting dispersions were systematically characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A chemically induced ROU model in rats (n = 8 per group) was established to evaluate the effects of AF-SD on ulcer area, serum inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, and histopathological outcomes. Results: The optimal formulation was obtained at a drug-to-carrier ratio of 1:2, a melting temperature of 70 °C, and a melting time of 5 min. Under these conditions, L-borneol release increased 2.5-fold. DSC and PXRD confirmed complete conversion of Ai-Fen to an amorphous state, while FTIR revealed a 13 cm⁻¹ red shift in the O-H stretching band, indicating hydrogen-bond formation. In vivo, AF-SD reduced ulcer area by 60.7% (p < 0.001) and achieved a healing rate of 74.16%. Serum TNF-α and IL-6 decreased by 55.5% and 49.6%, respectively (both p < 0.001), whereas VEGF increased by 89.6% (p < 0.001). Histological analysis confirmed marked reduction in inflammatory infiltration, accelerated re-epithelialization (score 2.50), and a 5.9-fold increase in neovascularization. Conclusions: AF-SD markedly enhanced the bioavailability of Ai-Fen through amorphization and accelerated ROU healing, likely via dual mechanisms involving suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)-mediated inflammation and promotion of angiogenesis. This formulation strategy provides a promising approach for modernizing traditional herbal medicines.

Background: Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. Is a Miao and Li ethnic medicinal plant traditionally used to activate blood circulation and dispel dampness; however, systematic investigation of its flavonoid-enriched fraction against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced lipid disorder and hepatic steatosis remains limited. Methods: A flavonoid-enriched fraction from B. balsamifera leaves (BBF, total flavonoids 30.96%) was characterised by UPLC-HRMS (83 constituents, 22 high-abundance). Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and serum untargeted metabolomics were integrated, and pivotal pathways were validated in HFD-fed rats (graded BBF doses, 55, 110, 220 mg/kg) via Western blot and RT-qPCR. Results: BBF ameliorated serum lipid abnormalities and hepatic steatosis in a dose-dependent manner; the medium-dose simultaneously improved TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels, whereas the high-dose exerted superior triglyceride-lowering and anti-steatotic effects. Integrated two-omics analysis prioritised insulin-signalling and arachidonic acid metabolism; BBF was associated with reduced JNK hyper-phosphorylation, restored AKT activation, and decreased transcript levels of Tnf-α, Ptgs2, Srebf1, and Fasn. Conclusions: BBF alleviates HFD-induced dyslipidaemia and hepatic steatosis. This pharmacological effect is associated with coordinated modulation of inflammatory mediators, JNK/AKT signalling, and hepatic lipogenesis, as suggested by our in vivo assays and multi-omics analysis. These observations generate testable mechanistic hypotheses and provide experimental support for the traditional ethnomedicinal use of this Miao remedy.

Immunosenescence is a major contributor to age-associated morbidity, yet microbiota-directed strategies capable of restoring immune homeostasis remain insufficiently validated. Medicinal plant polysaccharides (MPPs) are structurally diverse macromolecules that often resist host digestion and undergo microbial transformation in the colon, but their effects cannot be interpreted as those of a homogeneous intervention class. In this structured narrative review, we critically synthesize evidence across structural carbohydrate biology, microbial ecology, metabolite signaling, and immune aging and propose a structure–microbiota–metabolite–immunity framework for evaluating how MPPs may influence immunosenescence. Monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkages, molecular-weight distribution, branching, uronic acid content, chemical substitutions, and higher-order conformation can shape microbial carbohydrate-active enzyme activity, polysaccharide utilization, and ecological cross-feeding. The resulting changes in short-chain fatty acids, secondary bile acids, tryptophan-derived indoles, and other metabolites may affect epithelial barrier integrity, regulatory T-cell/T helper 17-cell (Treg/Th17) balance, macrophage polarization, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, and systemic inflammatory tone. However, evidence from in vitro systems and young disease models primarily supports mechanistic plausibility and should not be treated as direct evidence of immunosenescence modification. Translation will require structurally defined preparations, causal validation in aging-relevant models, comparison with established fermentable fibers, identification of responder phenotypes, and adequately powered trials in older adults.