Iron homeostasisis is integral to normal physiological and biochemical processes of lungs. The maintenance of iron homeostasis involves the process of intake, storage and output, dependening on iron-regulated protein/iron response element system to operate tightly metabolism-related genes, including TFR1, DMT1, Fth, and FPN. Dysregulation of iron can lead to iron overload, which increases the virulence of microbial colonisers and the occurrence of oxidative stress, causing alveolar epithelial cells to undergo necrosis and apoptosis, and form extracellular matrix. Accumulated iron drive iron-dependent ferroptosis to exacerbated pulmonary fibrosis. Notably, the iron chelator deferoxamine and the lipophilic antioxidant ferritin-1 have been shown to attenuate ferroptosis and inhibit lipid peroxidation in pulmonary fibrosis. The paper summarises the regulatory mechanisms of dysregulated iron metabolism and ferroptosis in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Targeting iron metabolism may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, which brings many negative impacts to the children’s daily life. Pediatric Tuina has been proved to be a potential therapy for FC. However, the evidence for its effectiveness and safety is insufficient due to the lack of high-quality study. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pediatric Tuina for children with FC. This study is a randomized, controlled, multicentre, clinical trial. We will include 176 children with FC from five hospitals. The participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: the pediatric Tuina group and the Medilac-Vita group. This study will include a 1-week actual treatment period and a 2-week follow-up period. Primary outcomes are weekly spontaneous bowel movements and weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements. The secondary outcomes are effective rate, stool form, distress sensation, and glycerine enema rate. The assessment will be performed each week. Adverse event will be monitored in the treatment period and follow-up period. This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pediatric Tuina for children with FC, and we hypothesize that pediatric Tuina is more effective than probiotics. It will provide reliable evidence and support for the treatment of FC by pediatric Tuina. This protocol was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100046485).

Edible flowers are widely consumed for their potential health benefits. This study assessed the active components and in vitro antioxidant properties of 50 edible flowers from Yunnan to explore their potential uses. A 70% ethanol extract was prepared, and the total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total anthocyanin content (TAC) were analyzed. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) assays. Additionally, tyrosinase inhibition and antimicrobial activities were determined, and the correlation between active components and antioxidant capacity was investigated. The results showed that Prunus mume had high polyphenol content, Osmanthus fragrans Lour. had high flavonoid content, and Rosa rugosa Thunb. (Dianhong) had high anthocyanin content. Rosa rugosa Thunb. (Mohong) exhibited the strongest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. Clerodendranthus spicatus (Thunb.) C. Y. Wu demonstrated the highest FRAP activity, whereas Punica granatum L. showed the highest tyrosinase inhibition activity. Nymphaea coerulea exhibited significant antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Extracts from Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis and Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC. demonstrated excellent antimicrobial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between TPC and antioxidant activities, suggesting that polyphenols are closely linked to antioxidant capacity. This study highlights the potential of these edible flowers as antimicrobial agents and natural antioxidants. Analysis using the membership function identified N. coerulea , R. rugosa , P. granatum , and Lagerstroemia indica L. as having the highest comprehensive scores, indicating their superior quality as sources of bioactive compounds.

Clerodendranthus spicatus (CS), is an herbaceous perennial belonging to the family Lamiaceae. The herb is extensively employed in traditional Chinese medicine for the mitigation of nephritis, cystitis, kidney stones, urological tract stones, gout, and other urinary conditions. Numerous research studies have been conducted in the past to explore the traditional medicinal value, phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, and quality control measures associated with this plant. This has motivated us to systematically search various online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Elsevier, CNKI, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science using specific keywords to get the most recent research information findings related to this plant. Phytochemical investigations have identified that this plant predominantly contains flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and volatile oil compounds. Certain constituents have been employed as markers in quality assessment research, and some were recognized as bioactive agents in the management of specific ailments. These components have demonstrated notable effectiveness in combating bacterial infections, reducing inflammation, providing antioxidant properties, managing hyperuricemia, and offering renal protection. Notably, clinical trials have confirmed its remarkable efficacy in treating urinary inflammation and stones. We acquired recent research findings concerning CS in the fields of phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, and clinical applications via online search. These findings have been summarized and analysed to offer a valuable reference for further comprehensive research, development, and utilization of CS.